Chaos unfolded in Mexico City during the clash between Mexico and South Africa in the opening game of the World Cup. Videos circulating on social media captured disturbances outside Gate 8 of Estadio Azteca, where protesters were seen throwing Molotov cocktails.
Concerns arose as residents criticized authorities for prioritizing the sporting event over pressing social issues affecting the nation. More than 1,000 relatives of missing individuals marched towards the stadium, holding candles and photos of their loved ones who had disappeared.
Despite the violence erupting, the match reportedly proceeded as scheduled, raising worries about the safety of the spectators at the venue. Simultaneously, an emergency unfolded at Gate 1 before the match, where an elderly man tragically passed away.
The 80-year-old man is believed to have suffered a suspected heart attack at Gate 1, prompting swift action from the World Cup security medical team who provided immediate care and transported him to a hospital. Although initially in stable condition under observation, the man later succumbed to his condition.
The 2026 World Cup kicked off with the Mexico vs. South Africa match at 8 pm local time, marking the beginning of a six-week tournament jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, accommodating 48 teams across 16 stadiums for a total of 104 matches over 39 days.
Leading up to the tournament, controversies brewed, with Iran threatening to withdraw from the World Cup amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The situation outside the stadium remains unclear regarding any arrests or injuries related to the clashes that occurred.
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