Violence has erupted outside Mexico City's Estadio Azteca as the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Social media footage shows protesters clashing with riot police near Gate 8, with reports of objects including Molotov cocktails being thrown at police lines.
Protests and Police Response
Dozens of demonstrators stormed the area, prompting a heavy police presence in riot gear. The unrest comes amid rising tensions in Mexico City, where locals argue that authorities have prioritized the World Cup over social issues. The previous night, over 1,000 relatives of missing persons marched towards the stadium with candles and photographs.
Inside the Stadium
Despite the chaos outside, the match continued inside the stadium. However, concerns about access routes and crowd safety have been raised. A separate emergency occurred shortly before kick-off when an 80-year-old man suffered a suspected heart attack at Gate 1. Paramedics from the World Cup medical team provided CPR and stabilized him before hospital transfer, but he later died.
Tournament Context
The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, features 48 teams over six weeks. The build-up has been marked by geopolitical tensions, including Iran's threats to withdraw under certain conditions. Authorities have not confirmed arrests or injuries from the clashes, and match operations reportedly remain unaffected.
