Stephen Eisenhammer, Emily Green and Cassandra GarrisonJun 12, 2026 – 8.57amMexico City | Mexico got the World Cup party started as the co-hosts swept away South Africa 2-0 in an encounter with three red cards as the pyrotechnic smoke of the opening ceremony gave way to a cloud of red mist at a thrumming Azteca stadium.Fans in Mariachi costumes, with sombreros and trumpets thronged the famous stadium ahead of kick-off, forming a sea of dark green support as Shakira and Burna Boy performed the 2026 World Cup anthem and pyrotechnics filled the ground.ReutersSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Shakira, parties and red cards: The World Cup is finally under way
Fans paid exorbitant prices for tickets and protests were staged outside as the world’s biggest sporting tournament finally kicked off in Mexico City.
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