The biggest World Cup in history began today in Mexico City, where co-host Mexico played South Africa in the opening match at Mexico City Stadium, also known as Azteca Stadium. More than 80,000 fans travelled to the famous venue, even as protests and social tensions continued in Mexico’s capital. The tournament is being hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Before the match, a lively opening ceremony featured performances by Shakira, Burna Boy and J Balvin. The stadium had been improved with a major facelift before the 48-team tournament began. Azteca Stadium also made history by becoming the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches, after previously doing so in 1970 and 1986.
Mexico has now played in eight World Cup opening matches. Before this game, the team had lost five and drawn two of those openers, including a draw against South Africa at the 2010 World Cup. South Africa is returning to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Mexico entered the match in strong form, with an eight-match unbeaten run. The team had not lost since a friendly match against Paraguay last November. Mexico is led by 67-year-old coach Javier Aguirre, who is managing the national team for the third time.
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