2026 FIFA World Cup marred by Mexico City riots as protesters clash with police at Estadio Azteca

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has burst into life amid violent clashes, allegations of Molotov cocktail attacks and chaotic scenes outside Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca as the tournament got underway.

What should have been a celebratory opening night for co-host nation Mexico instead descended into disorder, with riot police confronting protesters outside the stadium before kick-off. Authorities blamed the unrest on a group of around 200 hooded demonstrators, while local reports suggested dozens of people attempted to force their way into the venue near Gate 8.

According to reports from local media, projectiles were thrown at police during the confrontation, with some outlets claiming Molotov cocktails had been used against officers. Footage circulating online showed tense stand-offs between protesters and heavily armed police as thousands of football fans arrived for the opening match of the tournament.

The Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City said the violence stemmed from a demonstration that escalated into direct clashes with authorities.

The protests come amid growing tensions in Mexico City surrounding the World Cup, with some residents accusing authorities of prioritising the global sporting event over local social and economic concerns.

A significant police presence had been deployed around the 82,000-seat stadium throughout the day, but that failed to prevent the disturbances. Authorities also confirmed a separate incident at a World Cup fan zone elsewhere in the city, though officials said the situation was quickly brought under control.

One woman, aged 28, was arrested during the unrest before later being released.

While chaos unfolded outside the stadium, Mexico finally delivered the result local fans had been waiting decades for.

The tournament co-hosts defeated South Africa 2-0 to secure their first-ever victory in a World Cup opening match after previously failing to win any of the seven opening fixtures they had been involved in across past tournaments.

Julián Quiñones opened the scoring before Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez added a second to send the home crowd into celebration.

The match itself was not without controversy.

South Africa finished with nine men after substitute Themba Zwane was shown a red card following a VAR review for appearing to strike Roberto Alvarado in the face during a late confrontation.

Mexico’s César Montes was also sent off deep into stoppage time after Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio judged his challenge on Khuliso Mudau worthy of a straight red card.

By full-time, Mexico had claimed a memorable opening victory, but the football was competing for attention with dramatic scenes beyond the stadium walls.

For FIFA organisers, the tournament’s opening night was meant to showcase the world’s biggest sporting event. Instead, it began amid images of protests, police clashes and security concerns that threatened to overshadow the action on the pitch.

- with AAP