Riot police clash with protesters hurling stones outside World Cup 2026 opening ceremony | News World
Riot police clash with protesters at World Cup opening ceremony
Tensions are flaring up outside the stadium hosting the World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico as the Mexico v South Africa game kicked off.
Protesters were seen throwing rocks and other projectiles at riot police stationed at gate eight leading into the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The crowd control barriers had been torn down, and the groups of officers used shields as a barrage of rocks, bottles and even bouquets of orange flowers were hurled at them shortly after Mexico scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup inside the stadium.
Earlier, mothers searching for their disappeared children are said to have breached the security cordon surrounding the Azteca Stadium following days of marches and protests.
Protests outside the Azteca Stadium near Mexico City have picked up pace leading into the inauguration of the first FIFA games.
Roads have been blocked by the sweeping security operation outside the stadium in Calzada de Tlalpan, but some groups are said to have broken through.