Clashes Outside Stadium Mar World Cup Opening

The World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada kicked off yesterday with a lavish ceremony at Mexico City's legendary Azteca Stadium, but the festivities weren't entirely smooth. Shortly before the celebrations began, a protest erupted outside the venue involving individuals affected by the country's ongoing war with drug cartels. According to official police reports, two groups, each numbering over 800 people, were present, with approximately 200 of them pre-equipped with hoods and masks. These individuals initiated the unrest, attempting to storm the stadium. Over 300 police officers, including a mounted unit, were deployed around the Azteca and responded instantly, using force and tear gas to disperse the attempts.

A correspondent for the Daily Mail on site noted a stark contrast at one point: applause and cheers echoed from inside the stadium, while outside, clashes and scenes of violence unfolded. This dichotomy is often considered typical for these parts of the world, frequently encompassing extremes separated by a thin, invisible line. Ultimately, law enforcement managed to quell the tension and prevent protesters from entering the stadium for the host nation Mexico's match against South Africa, which the "Aztecs" won 2-0.