The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, opened at the renovated Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with a spectacular show featuring fireworks, a sweeping light display, and performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, and J Balvin in front of over 80,000 fans.

Co-hosts Mexico began the tournament against South Africa at the steep concrete arena, officially renamed Mexico City Stadium but still widely known as Azteca. The venue, which hosted World Cup openers in 1970 and 1986, becomes the first to stage the curtain-raiser three times.

Inside, fans waved flags, sang, and filmed the star-studded pre-match show on their phones as the global spotlight returned to one of football's most storied venues. Mexico shares hosting duties with the United States and Canada.

Outside, demonstrations broke out near key transport routes and fan zones, with protesters denouncing the cost of staging the World Cup, tight security cordons around working-class neighborhoods, and disruption to communities living in the stadium's shadow.

Police and security forces ringed surrounding streets and funneled supporters through checkpoints, as Mexico City began a month of football under intense scrutiny. The protests highlight growing discontent over the financial and social costs of mega-events.

Source: www.aljazeera.com