Mexico’s World Cup opener ended in a 2-0 win over South Africa, but violent scenes outside Estadio Azteca brought a separate flashpoint to opening day.
The match itself gave the co-hosts the start they wanted. Julián Quiñones scored early, Raúl Jiménez added the second, and Mexico moved top of Group A.
Outside the stadium, though, the situation was more tense, with protests and clashes unfolding near one of football’s most historic venues.
Azteca Stadium protests turn violent during World Cup opener
As Mail Sport showed, violent scenes broke out outside Estadio Azteca during the World Cup opener in Mexico City.
Reports said protesters smashed the windows of vehicles, including a truck, and clashed with police near the stadium while Mexico were playing South Africa inside.
The demonstrations involved teachers, student activists, and relatives of missing people. Their complaints centered on local issues and claims that government attention and resources were being focused on the World Cup while domestic concerns remained unresolved.
Police were deployed around the stadium, with reports of security barriers being breached and officers using crowd-control measures as the situation became chaotic.
There were also concerns around Zócalo Square, one of the designated fan areas, where large crowds gathered and access controls came under pressure.
The timing made the contrast especially sharp. Inside the stadium, Mexico fans were celebrating the first goal of the tournament. Outside, authorities were trying to contain unrest tied to wider social tensions.
Mexico beat South Africa as red cards shape Group A
On the field, Mexico did enough to make sure the opener remained a sporting success for the hosts.
Quiñones punished South Africa early, scoring in the ninth minute after a defensive mistake. Jiménez then gave Mexico a firmer grip with a second-half goal.
The game also produced three straight red cards. Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for South Africa, while César Montes was dismissed late for Mexico.
That leaves both teams dealing with suspension issues before their next matches. Mexico face South Korea on June 18 in Guadalajara without Montes.
South Africa play Czechia the same day in Atlanta and are expected to be without Sithole and Zwane after a difficult opening defeat.
The World Cup began with noise, goals, and heavy security pressure in Mexico City. For organizers, the challenge now is making sure the focus stays on the football.
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