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World Cup opens amid protests and chaos fears in Mexico City
🇳🇴 Norway /Culture & Society

World Cup opens amid protests and chaos fears in Mexico City

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Mexico City is set to host the opening of the FIFA World Cup at the historic Estadio Azteca, a venue that has previously hosted two World Cup finals.
  • While the stadium is being prepared for a festive atmosphere, protests are growing outside over issues like teacher and farmer demands, and the country's crisis of over 130,000 missing persons.
  • Journalists and locals anticipate significant disruption and

Estadio Azteca, a legendary venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, is ready to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City. The stadium, officially known as Estadio Banorte but renamed Mexico City Stadium by FIFA for the tournament, is steeped in football history, having witnessed iconic moments like Maradona's "Hand of God" goal and Argentina's 1986 victory.

It's going to be a party that lasts for decades. We have to be calm, not doubt our way of playing or our mental strength.

— Javier AguirreMexico's national team coach, speaking about the World Cup opening.

Inside, the stadium is being adorned with flowers and art, aiming to showcase Mexico's history, colors, and celebratory spirit. "It's going to be a party that lasts for decades. We have to be calm, not doubt our way of playing or our mental strength," said Mexico's national team coach Javier Aguirre. Mexican journalist Alejandro Orellana described the atmosphere as "madness" and "history in the making" at one of the world's most iconic stadiums.

It's going to be madness. One of the most iconic stadiums in the world. We are making history.

— Alejandro OrellanaA Mexican journalist's reaction to the World Cup opening at Estadio Azteca.

However, outside the stadium, a different mood prevails. Protests have intensified in the days leading up to the opening match. Teachers are demanding better wages and pensions, farmers are seeking higher prices for their produce, and families of the country's estimated 130,000 missing persons are using the World Cup spotlight to draw attention to their plight. "We live in a Mexico where many are killed by drug cartels. Many just disappear. Families are looking for them and are tired of the authorities not providing answers," Orellana told VG.

We live in a Mexico where many are killed by drug cartels. Many just disappear. Families are looking for them and are tired of the authorities not providing answers.

— Alejandro OrellanaSpeaking to VG about the crisis of missing persons in Mexico.

Orellana anticipates significant disruption on match day, predicting "chaos" due to public dissatisfaction with the World Cup. "They are not happy with the World Cup. It will be tough tomorrow," he stated, noting that resistance to the event is widespread. Police are on standby to manage the expected protests, creating a stark contrast between the planned football festivities and the underlying social unrest.

It will be tough tomorrow. They are not happy with the World Cup. It will be chaos.

— Alejandro OrellanaPredicting disruptions on the opening day of the World Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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