Tear gas hit the World Cup opener outside the Azteca as Mexico won 2-0. What the clashes mean for fans at the next Mexico City fixtures, and a clear-eyed safety read.
Mexico City · World Cup
Key Facts
—The match went ahead. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, with Shakira headlining the opening ceremony.
—Tear gas outside. A breakaway group tried to breach the stadium perimeter about 10 minutes before kickoff; riot police pushed them back and fired tear gas.
—Who was marching. Drug-war missing-persons families, the CNTE teachers’ union and public-sector workers; about eight protests were timed to the opener.
Protesters in Mexico clash with riot police outside stadium during World Cup opener
Protesters, police clash outside World Cup opener in Mexico City
Petrol bombs and bricks hurled at Mexican police during pre-match unrest at Azteca
Shakira, parties and red cards: The World Cup is finally under way
Shakira and protests as World Cup kicks off in Mexico
Mexico to open World Cup amid passion, parties and protests
Mexico opens World Cup amid passion, parties and protests
Mexico World Cup opener takes shocking turn as protesters clash with riot police outside stadium
Police, protesters clash outside first World Cup match in Mexico
Chaos erupts outside Mexico City World Cup stadium
