Violence erupts outside Estadio Azteca as protesters and police clash before 2026 World Cup opener

The 2026 World Cup got underway amid ugly scenes outside Estadio Azteca after clashes broke out between protesters and riot police before Mexico's opening victory over South Africa on Thursday.

While the action on the pitch marked a historic occasion for the iconic venue, disturbances outside the stadium threatened to overshadow the tournament's historic curtain-raiser.

Riot police clash with protesters outside Estadio Azteca

According to the Telegraph, riot police came under attack after rocks, Molotov cocktails, bins and other objects were thrown during confrontations outside the stadium.

The most serious incidents occurred around Gate Eight, where groups attempted to breach security cordons surrounding the ground. Mounted officers and riot police responded, with footage showing police charging protesters with shields as projectiles rained down around them.

Several officers were injured during the unrest, including a policewoman who appeared to suffer a serious head wound. Security personnel were also seen using fire extinguishers to disperse some of those involved in the disorder.

Protesters and police clashed outside Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium just before the FIFA World Cup’s opening match kicked off.

Protest groups have warned of further disruption to the tournament, as they press demands on issues ranging from education reforms to disappearances. pic.twitter.com/j11WKtE0O9

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 12, 2026

Authorities said around 1,000 protesters gathered in various areas around the stadium, with approximately 200 hooded individuals allegedly breaking away from larger demonstrations before the clashes escalated.

Roads surrounding the stadium had already been closed as part of a major security operation involving more than 10,000 officers, while concrete barriers were installed to protect key access points ahead of kick-off.

Despite the disorder, officials confirmed the situation was brought under control before the end of the match, with dozens of arrests reportedly made.

FGG says: Not the scenes anyone wanted to see at this World Cup

The opening match of a World Cup should be a celebration of football, not images of burning debris, injured police officers and clashes outside one of the sport's most iconic stadiums.

Thankfully, the disturbances did not impact the game itself, but these scenes are exactly what FIFA, organisers and supporters around the world will have hoped to avoid.

With the eyes of the sporting world fixed on Mexico City, the focus should have been entirely on the football rather than events unfolding beyond the turnstiles.