On Thursday night, host nation Mexico kicked off the expanded 48-team tournament against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, which was renamed Mexico City Stadium but remains widely known by its original name.
The stadium previously hosted World Cup opening matches in 1970 and 1986. With this third opener, Azteca officially became the first venue to stage three World Cup opening matches as Mexico shares hosting duties with the United States and Canada.
Inside the stadium, fans waved flags, sang and filmed the pre-match performance featuring international superstars on their phones as the global spotlight once again shone on one of football’s most iconic venues.
Outside the stadium, protests erupted near key transport routes and fan zones. Demonstrators condemned the cost of hosting the World Cup, the heavy security surrounding working-class neighborhoods, and the disruption to communities living in the shadow of the stadium.
Police and security forces cordoned off surrounding streets, funneling supporters through checkpoints as Mexico City began a month of football under intense scrutiny.
