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There was chaos ahead of the inaugural 2026 World Cup game in Mexico last night, after protestors clashed with riot police outside the Estadio Azteca.
Inside the stadium, spectators were treated to a glitzy opening ceremony with performances from Shakira and Burna Boy before the first game of the tournament got underway.
However, scenes outside were not quite so jovial as hundreds of people arrived at the stadium and caused havoc.
According to the Guardian, police outside gate eight of the stadium were pelted with petrol bombs, rocks and bottles, leaving several cops requiring medical treatment.
“Nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters, but the situation was brought under control by the Metropolitan police,” a spokesperson for the secretary of citizen security in Mexico said.
Local media has reported 'dozens of arrests' as a result of the violence.
In a post on social media Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection of Mexico Omar Hamid García Harfuch thanked the police for their efforts during the chaos.
“Our recognition and gratitude to the women and men police officers of Mexico City, @SSC_CDMX, who acted with composure, discipline, firmness, and bravery during a highly demanding day,” he wrote.
“Their presence and professionalism were key to preserving order, protecting the citizenry, and allowing thousands of families and visitors to enjoy themselves safely.”
In the build up to the World Cup there have been protests held throughout Mexico City.
Those taking to the streets included teachers demanding better working conditions, animal rights groups, and the families of Mexico’s 133,000 missing people.
Former Mexico international Joaquin Beltran told the BBC that many people living in the country were ‘angry’ about some of the government’s decisions and that being co-hosts of the World Cup would provide ‘a very good space for people who are not satisfied with the things that are happening in our country’.
As well as violence outside the stadium, there were also clashes on the pitch with a total of three red cards being handed out during Mexico’s game against South Africa.
Mexico claimed the victory with Julián Quiñones scoring in just nine minutes, followed by a 67th minute goal from Raúl Jiménez.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were red carded and sent off for South Africa alongside Mexico’s César Montes - earning the game a spot in the history books for the most red cards of any World Cup opening match.
The red cards mean that the three players will be suspended for at least one more game.
Meaning the two South Africans will miss their game against the Czech Republic and Montes won’t be playing when Mexico faces South Korea.
The tournament continues today with co-hosts Canada and the United States getting their turn in the spotlight.
In Toronto, Canada will be taking on Bosnia-Herzegovina at 8pm UK time.
And football-loving night owls can then see fellow hosts the US take on Paraguay in Los Angeles at 2am.
England fans have still got a bit of a wait to see their first game, which kicks off against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday 17 June at 9pm UK time.
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