The opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City was between Mexico and South Africa, with Mexico winning 2-0. Violent clashes occurred between demonstrators and police outside Estadio Azteca on the opening day of the tournament. Protesters blocked access to the Zócalo plaza, the site of the World Cup fan fest. Police used teargas against teachers protesting in Mexico City. Teachers in Mexico marched demanding better pay and pensions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to Al Jazeera. A teachers’ union threatened demonstrations at the opening game between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, 2026, if demands for salary raises and pension reforms are not met, according to The Hindu. Teachers occupied the central fan zone in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup, according to DW. Thousands of protesters shut down traffic along Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup, according to The New York Times. Some protesters stormed the Estadio Azteca near Gate 8 during the opening match, according to 7news.com.au. The violent scenes outside Estadio Azteca started as a march by various collectives that ended in a confrontation with police, according to 7news.com.au. The Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City blamed the violent scenes on a group of around 200 hooded individuals, according to 7news.com.au. Mexico jointly hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Canada, according to France 24.