Mexico braces for celebrations, protests as World Cup opens amid tensions
Key takeaways
- President Sheinbaum promises safe World Cup as host cities ramp up security after cartel violence scare and protests.
- Mexico, jointly hosting the global tournament with the United States and Canada, kicks off festivities on Thursday with a star-studded event and the home team taking on South Africa in the opening game in Mexico City.
- Pressure has mounted on her as guests flood into Mexico City.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
President Sheinbaum promises safe World Cup as host cities ramp up security after cartel violence scare and protests.
xwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogle Add Al Jazeera on Googleinfo A National Guard officer stands outside a stadium that will host FIFA World Cup matches in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 9, 2026 [Matias Delacroix/AP Photo]By The Associated Press Published On 11 Jun 202611 Jun 2026Escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico’s capital have threatened to derail FIFA World Cup celebrations on the eve of the opening ceremony, with protesters effectively blocking off access to the plaza set to host the country’s main fan celebrations.
Mexico, jointly hosting the global tournament with the United States and Canada, kicks off festivities on Thursday with a star-studded event and the home team taking on South Africa in the opening game in Mexico City.