Mexico Opens 2026 World Cup With Protests and Security

Mexico hosts South Africa on Thursday in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a rematch of the two teams' 2010 opener. The game marks the start of the tournament that Mexico is co-hosting with the United States and Canada. The inauguration in Mexico City will include performances and is expected to draw large international crowds.

Fans wearing national team colors have already arrived at regional airports. Authorities have deployed more than 100,000 soldiers, sailors, National Guard members and police officers across the three host cities. Officials blocked major protest routes near plazas and the stadium in recent days.

Teacher unions blockaded roads and toppled event statues for more than a week. Families of missing persons displayed flyers calling for attention to unresolved cases instead of event spending. Police prevented demonstrations from occupying central areas.

On Tuesday, the president brushed off criticisms and denied that there was any social unrest ahead of the tournament. The political opposition wants to give the impression that there is chaos, that there are problems, right in the middle of an international event we have been preparing for a long time, the president said in a morning press briefing.

The Mexican Soccer Federation projects the tournament will generate $3 billion for hotels, restaurants and venues. Ticket prices reaching hundreds of dollars have placed attendance out of reach for many locals, some residents near cleared vendor areas said. Others stated they plan to watch matches from home.

“We’re not against the ball game, but they should be investing in education ... not giving the city a makeover." — Luis Antonio Rosales Narváez, protest organizer It remains unclear how gatherings will unfold once matches begin. Airports across the Americas were filled with fans who had purchased tickets to follow their teams. One traveler said this year the team is defending the title and will follow it to the ends of the earth.”