THE opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was overshadowed by violent clashes between protesters and police outside the iconic Estadio Azteca, as Mexico launched its tournament campaign with a commanding victory over South Africa before more than 80,000 spectators.
Thousands of demonstrators, including teachers, student activists and relatives of missing persons, gathered around the stadium from the early hours amid one of the largest security operations mounted in the Mexican capital in recent years.
AFP reported tensions escalated shortly after Mexico scored the tournament's opening goal when groups of protesters breached security barriers and confronted police officers stationed around the venue. Several individuals were seen smashing vehicle windows with wooden sticks, prompting authorities to respond with tear gas and mounted police units in an effort to restore order.
The disturbances came against a backdrop of growing domestic unrest, with the Mexican government facing weeks of protests led primarily by teachers demanding improved working conditions and reforms to the education sector.
At one stage, the demonstrations threatened to disrupt official World Cup fan activities at the capital's historic Zócalo Square, one of the tournament's designated public viewing areas.
Despite concerns over security, thousands of football supporters flooded the fan zone, pushing through barriers and creating chaotic scenes as crowds attempted to gain entry shortly before kick-off.
While unrest unfolded outside the stadium, Mexico ensured celebrations inside the arena by defeating South Africa 2-0 in a physically charged Group A encounter.
The co-hosts seized control of the match in the first half after capitalising on a costly defensive error by South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole.
Sithole lost possession under pressure from Erik Lira, who quickly released Julián Quiñones. The forward made no mistake, firing a powerful strike beyond the goalkeeper to score the first goal of the 2026 World Cup and ignite celebrations among the home crowd.
South Africa's task became significantly more difficult five minutes into the second half when Sithole was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Brian Gutiérrez, reducing his side to 10 men.
Mexico took full advantage of the numerical superiority and doubled its lead in the 67th minute when veteran striker Raúl Jiménez headed home from close range to put the result beyond doubt.
The South Africans suffered another setback six minutes from time when Themba Zwane was dismissed for violent conduct, forcing his team to finish the match with only nine players.
Mexico also ended the contest a man short after César Montes received a red card during stoppage time following a late challenge on an opponent.
The victory places Mexico in a strong early position in Group A and provides momentum ahead of its next fixture against South Korea in Guadalajara next Thursday.
For tournament organisers, however, attention is likely to remain focused on the security concerns exposed during the World Cup's opening day, as authorities seek to prevent further unrest from overshadowing football's biggest global spectacle. - June 12, 2026
