Overview
- Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez in the tournament's opening match.
- The Mexican opening ceremony began about 90 minutes before kick-off and featured an international lineup including Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin and Maná.
- Multiple social groups, including mothers of the disappeared and CNTE teachers, staged demonstrations near the stadium and city center and authorities reported detentions and confrontations during some protests.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum did not attend the stadium and instead watched at public fan zones, a choice officials framed as a way to avoid confrontation while organizers maintained a large security and public-relations operation.
- The three-country, expanded 48-team tournament will run through July 19 and analysts warn sustained international coverage could amplify domestic grievances over disappearances, infrastructure, ticket prices and visa problems; Mexico will host 13 matches and the Azteca has now hosted three World Cup openings.