Mexico's opening match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City drew 82,000 fans to a grand opening ceremony. Global stars took the stage: Shakira, Colombia's J Balvin, Nigeria's Burna Boy, and Mexico's Danny Ocean. Fher Olvera from the band Maná performed the classic song Oye Mi Amor. Performers wore traditional Mexican clothing and gold costumes, holding giant golden footballs above their heads.
On the pitch, Mexico dominated South Africa with a 2-0 victory. The stadium erupted in celebration of the tournament's first match on home soil. Fan Javier Pérez told BBC: "It's a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful."
Outside the stadium, tensions rose. Clashes between radical protesters and police temporarily shut down nearby metro stations. Mexican authorities reported around 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of 800 protesters and clashed with law enforcement. Demonstrators included teachers and families of those missing in Mexico's drug war, who used the tournament's global spotlight to highlight their causes.
Mexico is the first co-host of the 2026 World Cup, which also takes place in the United States and Canada. Opening ceremonies for the US and Canada will follow on Friday.
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