Protesters clashed with riot police outside Mexico City Stadium in a chaotic start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overshadowing Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa.
Violence Erupts Outside the Stadium
Chaos unfolded both inside and outside the ground as Mexico's World Cup campaign kicked off against South Africa in a controversial game marred by red cards. While Mexico secured a 2-0 win, things spiraled out of control outside the arena.
The Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City (SSC CDMX) blamed the violent scenes on "a group of around 200 hooded individuals." Reports indicated that at one point, dozens of protesters suddenly stormed the stadium near Gate 8. The Express reported that "Molotov cocktails" were thrown at police.
El Universal said the violent scenes started as "a march by various collectives ... that ended in a confrontation with the capital police." The Express added: "Tensions have risen as visitors pour into Mexico City, with some residents arguing that officials have focused on the event at the expense of urgent social concerns." The situation has been brought under control, and a 28-year-old woman was arrested but later released.
A strong police presence around the 82,000-capacity stadium had been noticeable before the match, but it did not deter the protesters. Local authorities also reported an incident at a fanzone in the city, which had also been defused.
Mexico Ends Opening Match Drought
On the pitch, Mexico ended their misery in World Cup opening matches with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a match featuring three red cards. The co-hosts had been involved in seven matches that either alone or jointly opened previous tournaments but had won none of them. They put that right at the eighth attempt, however, as goals from Julian Quinones and Fulham's Raul Jimenez in either half gave them a victorious start against a South African side that finished with nine men.
Cesar Montes's dismissal in stoppage time took some of the shine off an otherwise upbeat afternoon for local fans. South Africa created few chances throughout the match; one came in the second half when Thabang Matuludi managed to get his shot away only to direct it at goalkeeper Raul Rangel.
South Africa substitute Themba Zwane was sent off after a VAR review for appearing to strike Alvarado in the face late on as the pair tangled, on a day that firmly belonged to the host nation. Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio produced one more red, sending off Cesar Montes in stoppage time for a challenge on Khuliso Mudau.
