As Mexico scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup inside the Azteca stadium, riot police outside were pelted with rocks, bottles and even bouquets of orange flowers thrown by protesters who had torn down crowd control barriers at gate eight. The violent scenes unfolded moments after the national anthem had rung out, with groups of officers using shields as a barrage of projectiles rained down on them.
Just minutes earlier, the tournament had begun with a star-studded opening ceremony. Thousands of fans packed the 82,000-capacity stadium in Mexico City, where global music star Shakira performed alongside Colombia's J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Latin music star Danny Ocean, and Mexican singer-songwriter Fher Olvera of Maná, who sang the classic Oye Mi Amor. Opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop singer Ejae performed the tournament's official anthem DNA, released on Wednesday. Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández sang the national anthem in unison with many of the 80,000 fans. “Welcome to Mexico,” a performer announced. “We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride.”
“Violent clashes erupted outside Azteca stadium as Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win.”
But the festive atmosphere outside was marred by clashes. Mexican officials said nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters and clashed with law enforcement, but the situation “was brought under control” by police. The unrest temporarily shut down nearby metro stations. Earlier, mothers searching for their disappeared children – known as madres buscadoras – were seen breaching the security cordon surrounding the stadium, carrying banners and pictures of their missing loved ones, many feared killed by drug cartels. In the days leading up to the kick-off, 400 mums, dads and other family members marched along the main avenue leading to the stadium. Banners asked: “The ball is coming home, but when are you coming home?” as the number of disappeared people in Mexico has reached over 130,000, according to estimates cited by the activists.
Meanwhile, a separate controversy bubbled online. Social media users questioned whether it was really Shakira on stage, pointing to her hair, sunglasses and dance moves as possible evidence of a body double. The conspiracy theories spread rapidly, with some calling into question the authenticity of her performance.
Inside the stadium, fans were treated to a 2-0 victory for Mexico over South Africa. Javier Pérez, who attended with his family, told the BBC: “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. I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we'll see how far we can go!”