The 2026 World Cup began in Mexico City with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy — but outside the legendary Azteca stadium, riot police clashed with protesters hurling stones and bottles.
Nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters, Mexican officials said, temporarily shutting down nearby metro stations. Crowd control barriers were torn down as officers used shields against a barrage of rocks, bottles and even bouquets of orange flowers. The violence erupted shortly after Mexico scored the first goal inside the stadium.
“World Cup 2026 opens in Mexico with Shakira, violent protests, and a chaotic win for co-hosts Mexico against nine-man South Africa.”
Earlier, mothers searching for their disappeared children breached the security cordon, carrying banners and pictures of loved ones feared killed by drug cartels. In the days before, 400 family members marched along the main avenue leading to the stadium, holding banners that asked: “The ball is coming home, but when are you coming home?” Activists cited estimates of over 130,000 disappeared people in Mexico.
Inside the 82,000-seat stadium, fans were treated to performances by Shakira, Colombia’s J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy and Latin music star Danny Ocean. Mexican singer-songwriter Fher Olvera of Maná performed Oye Mi Amor. Opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop singer Ejae sang the tournament’s official anthem “DNA,” while Hollywood actress Salma Hayek, the official World Cup ambassador, welcomed fans in Spanish.
“We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations,” a performer announced to start the tournament.
Mexico then kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a chaotic match that saw three red cards — a first in World Cup history for an opening game. Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for South Africa before Mexico captain Cesar Montes was sent off in stoppage time.
“To lose someone like Themba Zwane — he's the experienced member of the team, the one who's going to come on if a game's tight and add a little bit of quality — but South Africa were just miles off it,” former South Africa midfielder Dean Furman told BBC Radio 5 Live.
There was an emotional moment for Raul Jimenez, who doubled Mexico’s lead with a second-half header six years after suffering a life-threatening fractured skull while playing for Wolves. He appeared to have tears in his eyes as he celebrated.
“We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it's a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful,” said fan Javier Pérez, who attended with his family. “I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals!”
South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams acknowledged the gulf in experience: “If you make mistakes, they will punish you. They will hurt you at this level. We haven’t been part of the World Cup for a very long time. We went down, but we kept fighting. We’ll be better.”
US broadcaster Fox faced criticism after cutting to advertisements during the opening ceremony and missing parts of the action, including Shakira’s performance. Meanwhile, the United States flag was met with loud boos and jeers before kick-off.
Mexico is co-hosting the tournament alongside the US and Canada, who will hold their own opening ceremonies on Friday. The action continues with South Korea facing the Czech Republic in Group A.