Mexico City stadium protest erupts as World Cup opener begins

Protesters clashed with riot police outside the Mexico City stadium as the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened. Authorities said around 200 hooded individuals threw Molotov cocktails and attempted to storm Gate 8, prompting a heavy police presence and the arrest of a 28‑year‑old woman (later released). The unrest was linked to broader social grievances and earlier demonstrations by a militant wing of the national teachers' union.

Despite the chaos, the match proceeded, with Mexico defeating South Africa 2‑0. The game featured three red cards: two for South Africa players and one for Mexico's César Montes in stoppage time.

Local officials blamed the violence on the protestors and emphasized that the situation was brought under control, while the stadium's 82,000‑capacity crowd witnessed both the celebrations and the disciplinary actions.