Overview
- The 2026 World Cup officially opened on Thursday, June 11 at Estadio Azteca with a pregame ceremony followed by Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.
- The inauguration featured major performers such as Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernández and others and drew FIFA president Gianni Infantino and celebrity ambassadors to the pitch.
- Protesters including teacher groups and families of the disappeared gathered near the Azteca, with clashes and detentions reported as activists sought to use the global platform to demand justice.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum did not attend the stadium and watched at public viewing sites in the Zócalo and fan fests, a decision framed by officials as a way to manage security and political optics.
- Organizers and commentators flagged ongoing operational risks—notably visa difficulties for some fans and pressure on transport and infrastructure—which could affect access and the tournament's image as matches move across the three host countries.