Mexico: Tight security and protests surround 2026 World Cup opener

No Comment Video. Mexico: Tight security and protests surround 2026 World Cup opener Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 12/06/2026 - 9:40 GMT+2 Protesters gathered near Mexico City's World Cup opener on 11 June, while thousands of fans headed to the stadium. Brief clashes broke out as demonstrators approached security cordons around the stadium. Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 11 June in Mexico City under tight security after students and activists clashed with police near the stadium hosting the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Demonstrators from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and other groups marched towards the venue, arguing that government resources devoted to the tournament should instead address social priorities. As fans arrived for the game, protesters attempted to move barricades and push through police lines, leading to confrontations around access routes to the stadium. Police in riot gear formed defensive cordons and moved to prevent demonstrators from reaching areas reserved for supporters. Some protesters threw stones and debris, while officers responded with crowd-control measures. Banners carried by participants criticised spending linked to the World Cup and highlighted concerns over inequality and unresolved disappearances in Mexico. Smoke and flares were visible near parts of the stadium perimeter, but authorities maintained control of the security zone. Despite the unrest, organisers confirmed that the opening match proceeded as scheduled, allowing the tournament to begin in front of thousands of spectators in the Mexican capital. World Cup 2026 Mexico Protests Clashes social issues Football Top stories Now playing Next Mexico: Tight security and protests surround 2026 World Cup opener Now playing Next Albania: thousands rally on 12th day of protests against Trump-linked resort Now playing Next Mexico fans celebrate World Cup win over South Africa Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 11th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next World Cup: Mexico beats South Africa as Czechia loses to South Korea Now playing Next Mexico's President Sheinbaum joins fans as World Cup gets underway Now playing Next World Cup street art returns to Rio de Janeiro Now playing Next Nearly eight hours apart: Who works the longest weeks in Europe? Now playing Next Bulgaria to end weapons supplies to Ukraine, PM Radev says Now playing Next US launches fresh strikes on Iran after Trump vows to hit 'hard' Now playing Next Rama repeats claims of Iranian cyberterrorism as protests continue Now playing Next 'I love the inflation,' Trump says as prices jump again Now playing Next Which countries have the most strikes in the EU? Now playing Next Europe Today: World Cup fever, new EU migration era and the Pope's message to Spain Now playing Next Inside DATALAND: The world’s first AI art museum will let visitors see, hear and smell art Now playing Next Fans descend on Mexico City Stadium ahead of World Cup kickoff ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment China tests AI robot cleaners in homes No Comment Congo motorcyclists mobilise as Ebola outbreak fuels fear No Comment Haiti embraces World Cup dream after 54-year wait No Comment Clashes erupt as police use water cannon near Belfast Culture news God bless America: Ralph Lauren unveils stamp collection for 250th US anniversary Iran Iran says no decision made on peace deal with US after Trump touts 'great settlement' Spain Pope Leo XIV casts wreath into sea in memory of migrants lost on Atlantic route Europe News ILA Berlin: Fighter jets still fly but drones dominate the conversation Europe News German, French and UK envoys meet Lavrov's deputy in Moscow amid E3 peace push Culture news 'Genius of the Renaissance': Leonardo da Vinci exhibition opens in Astana Europe News UK defence secretary resigns with stinging attack on Keir Starmer's military spending plans Iran US will seize and control Iran's Kharg Island and other key oil facilities, Trump says ADVERTISEMENT Economy ECB raises interest rates for the first time in three years as Iran war fuels inflation Health news WHO says Europe must act after 200,000 preventable heat-related deaths Culture news Here comes the sun: Stunning Amaterasu show celebrates 160 years of Belgium-Japan relations Europe News Pope Leo XIV calls for a stronger response to migration crisis during Canary Islands visit The Cube Can France's justice system really review 70,000 child sexual abuse cases in five weeks? Sport World Cup 2026: supercomputer backs Spain, former stars favour Argentina Europe Today 'It's up to the host': EU sports chief responds to World Cup visa row after Somali referee barred Europe in Motion Baptism of fire: What are the five most stressful countries for beginner drivers in Europe? ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT