The opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was hit by violent protests on Thursday afternoon as riot police fired tear gas at demonstrators outside the stadium.
What was supposed to be a global celebration turned into a chaotic political nightmare, threatening to completely overshadow the tournament’s curtain-raiser.
While Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa, thousands of protesters hit the capital to voice rage over missing citizens and poor labor conditions.
The massive demonstrations were fueled by a coalition of multiple unions and activist groups marching to draw global eyes to the country’s severe domestic issues.
The most prominent groups mobilizing
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