Street Protests, Visa Problems and Ticket Crisis Cast a Shadow Over World Cup Opening Celebrations

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico is set to begin amid spectacular artistic celebrations and an unprecedented tri-national organization, despite being surrounded by soaring ticket prices, complex immigration issues, and political and labor protests encircling the opening stadium.

The curtain will rise on the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday with a highly anticipated clash between Mexico, one of the three host nations, and South Africa at the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The match will officially launch a historic and unprecedented edition that is expected to be the largest and most ambitious World Cup ever staged, unfolding in a highly charged atmosphere.

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The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada and running for nearly six weeks until the final in New Jersey on July 19, will feature 48 national teams for the first time in history, while the number of matches will increase to 104.

Although projections suggest the tournament could generate record revenues of up to $13 billion, its launch has not been free from controversy. FIFA has faced sharp criticism over the dramatic rise in ticket prices, while severe visa-related difficulties have affected officials and athletes amid the strict immigration policies implemented by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. These issues have been compounded by domestic tensions in Mexico, reflected in large-scale demonstrations around the opening venue.

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Public Anger Surrounds the Azteca Stadium

The atmosphere outside Azteca Stadium was far from calm. On Wednesday evening, hundreds of protesters once again gathered near the sports complex just hours before the opening ceremony.

The demonstrations were driven by the anger of families and relatives of the “disappeared,” individuals believed to have been killed or abducted either by Mexican authorities or by organized crime cartels.

In response, security forces established a strict security perimeter extending 1.6 kilometers before the scheduled arrival of supporters on Thursday, emphasizing that peaceful demonstrations would be permitted but that only ticket holders would be allowed to cross the secured zone.

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Despite their critical slogans, the protesters remained peaceful, and no direct confrontations with police were reported. Some participants placed colorful flowers on the pavement in the shape of a cross resembling traditional memorial tributes to the deceased.

The demonstration joins a series of labor protests that have disrupted the capital for weeks, particularly those led by a dissident teachers’ union demanding improved working conditions. On Tuesday, thousands of its members successfully blocked the main road leading to the stadium.

President Claudia Sheinbaum had described these movements a week earlier as a “provocation” intended to damage the country’s image, stating: “Look at how bad the situation in Mexico is.” Authorities subsequently deployed thousands of security personnel and installed concrete barriers approximately one kilometer from the stadium.

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Infantino Defends the Tournament, Trump Praises It

Amid mounting criticism, FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly defended the tournament during a press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday, downplaying controversies surrounding visas and ticket prices, some of which have exceeded $30,000.

Infantino explained that FIFA had introduced a limited category of tickets priced at $60 in response to public demand, describing the price as entirely reasonable.

He also minimized concerns regarding Somali referee Omar Arten, who was denied entry into the United States upon arriving in Miami the previous Saturday for security reasons. FIFA later confirmed his exclusion from the tournament following reports from the U.S. State Department alleging connections with individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations.

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Infantino commented: “What happened is unfortunate, but we do not control everything. Sometimes it is better to remain patient and calm rather than rush into criticism that ultimately produces the opposite effect.”

In the same context, Infantino described FIFA’s success in securing the participation of Iran’s national team, despite severe political and military tensions between Tehran and Washington, as a major achievement.

He also praised the role of the American president, stating: “Without the involvement and participation of Donald Trump, I believe organizing a World Cup in the United States would simply have been impossible.”

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For his part, Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he intends to attend several matches. He noted that he had spoken with Infantino, who informed him that all current indicators point to an unprecedentedly successful tournament.

Nevertheless, several American media outlets, including Politico and The Athletic, reported that Trump is not expected to attend the United States’ opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday. Instead, an official delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio will represent the administration. Rubio is also expected to meet Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to discuss security and economic issues.

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Heightened Alert in Mexico City and a Three-Dimensional Opening Ceremony

From an organizational perspective, Mexican authorities have adopted exceptional measures to mitigate the severe traffic congestion anticipated in the densely populated capital. Schools and universities were closed on Thursday, while public-sector employees were instructed to work remotely. Private companies were encouraged to follow the same approach. Essential services, including security and healthcare, continued operating normally to ensure smooth movement for supporters.

This edition is also distinguished by three separate opening ceremonies taking place in the three host countries before their respective opening matches. The main show at Azteca Stadium—temporarily renamed “Estadio Ciudad de México” during the tournament in accordance with sponsorship regulations—will begin 90 minutes before kickoff at 11:30 a.m. local time.

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Colombian superstar Shakira will headline the event alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy to perform the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai.” Other international performers include J Balvin, Alejandro Fernández, and South African singer Tyla.

Celebrations will continue in Toronto, Canada, ahead of Bosnia’s match, featuring performances by Michael Bublé and Alessia Cara. They will then move to Los Angeles before Paraguay’s match, with appearances by Katy Perry, Future, and Anitta.

FIFA also announced, in partnership with Global Citizen, an unprecedented halftime show during the final inspired by the American Super Bowl, featuring Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.

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The Azteca Challenge and the Battle of Predictions

On the field, attention is focused on the intimidating atmosphere of Azteca Stadium, which holds 85,000 spectators and hosted the World Cup finals of 1970 and 1986. South African coach Hugo Broos warned his players about the “wall of noise” generated by Mexican supporters, stressing the need for complete concentration to secure a positive result in the demanding match scheduled for 1:00 p.m. local time.

Meanwhile, experienced Mexican coach Javier Aguirre hopes to break a long-standing record, as Mexico has never won a World Cup opening match in its previous seven appearances. He believes this statistic will serve as additional motivation for his players to begin the tournament with a historic victory.

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Elsewhere, several exciting fixtures are also on the schedule. South Korea will face the Czech Republic in Guadalajara in the second match of opening day, while the United States will begin its campaign against Paraguay before facing Australia and Türkiye in the group stage.

According to bookmakers, Spain, France, and England are the leading contenders for the title. However, reigning champions Argentina remain a formidable challenger under the leadership of football icon Lionel Messi, now 38 years old, who hopes to conclude his international career with another World Cup triumph.

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