Mexico World Cup opener takes shocking turn as protesters clash with riot police outside stadium. Credit: Times of India
Dozens of protesters clashed with police Thursday outside the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as South Africa and Mexico played the first match of the World Cup before 80,000 fans.
Groups of teachers, relatives of Mexicans who have gone missing, and student activists gathered early Thursday outside the stadium amid a heavy police presence.
Some protesters breached barriers and exchanged blows with officers guarding the stadium’s perimeter, moments after Mexico scored the tournament’s first goal.
A handful of youths smashed vehicle windows with bats as police fired tear gas and dispatched mounted officers to corral the protesters, who scattered on foot. Related News World Cup opener: Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 2026 World Cup kicks off with Mexico taking early advantage over S’Africa Somali referee banned by US to officiate European Super Cup — UEFA
