If the anti-government protests raging across this city were meant to capture the eye of the entire world by keeping the vast Estadio Azteca two-thirds empty, then it failed more spectacularly than the opening ceremony lit up this big old stadium.
Ten thousand troops, the national guard and police were waiting, armed and ready, at the approaches to the complex.
Four helicopters circled above the highway. Two of them of the Black Hawk variety. Armoured vehicles were on standby. Talk about a ring of steel.
Maybe most of the new-age revolutionaries thought better of charging the barricades. All except a hundred or so, who made it to an iron gate only to be repulsed.
We hacks, who were advised to be inside the perimeter at least four hours before the show began, were swallowed up by what will be the biggest crowd of the entire tournament which amounted to 80,824.
Whatever the result of the opening match of this three-host extravaganza would be, this was already a victory for football.
There was a ring of steel surrounding the stadium before kick-off, with four helicopters circling above the highway and armoured vehicles were on standby
Most of the ‘new-age revolutionaries’ thought better of charging the barricades with all except a hundred or so making it to an iron gate – only to be repulsed
These people, who by and large suffer poverty with charm and dignity, are at least as passionate about the beautiful game as they are despairing of a succession of corrupt governments. They deserve this rip-roaring distraction. Hopefully lasting for them and their players at least a month.
Mexico’s first female President, Claudia Sheinbaum, was not present at this stellar, potentially pivotal moment in time in this country for fear of how she would be received.
Not that the noise could have been more cacophonous. This was the loudest opening match in World Cup memory. The fans began singing and chanting in earnest long before they were admitted, three hours before kick-off.
As they provided the raucous chorus for a string of singers, restricted to one number each, and then welcomed their heroes onto the pitch, they went delirious as Julian Quinones slotted home the first goal of World Cup 2026. The volume rose from ear-splitting to skull-cracking. Even without a single mariachi note.
Vistas of colour. Viva Mexico, who could have put at least three more past South Africa before half-time.
This was also one of the brightest matches of its kind. Opening games are normally of the don’t-lose variety. But Mexico were in full flow. They could have put three more past a suffering South Africa by half-time, then came excruciatingly close to claiming their second with the first attack after the interval.
If England, as they might, come here to face them in the round of the last 16, they will not only enter a baying colosseum but come up against a quick, bright, skilled, solid, dangerous team.
Thomas Tuchel’s multi-millionaires were also given a first viewing of the anti-Arsenal tightening of the laws against such unpleasantries as blocking, barging, grappling and wrestling opponents to the ground.
This was the loudest opening match in World Cup memory, the fans beginning singing and chanting in earnest long before they were admitted, three hours before kick-off
If England, as they might, come here to face them in the round of the last 16, they will not only enter a baying colosseum but come up against a quick, bright, skilled, solid, dangerous team
Yellow cards fluttered as the South Africans tried to stem the tide by getting physical. When one red followed, for a gentleman named Yaya Sithole, there was a warning for Declan Rice and Co: none of that WWE stuff was allowed, especially not at corners.
One down in both goals and men, South Africa were a tally more than that in doubt of a comeback. To help consolidate their lead, Mexico sent on 17-year-old sensation Gilberto Mora.
He did not have time to touch the ball before Raul Jimenez headed the second.
Another red card, this time for Theab Zwaine, escalated this from defeat into disaster for South Africa. Another warning was flagged as arms were raised in this one.
And a few more minutes in which Mexico, previously regarded as fiery in Latin temperament, stayed true to their well-planned task. The only glitch came near the end, with the red-carding of defender Cesar Montes.
Other than that, by the way, despite all the pressure of home nation expectations, there was never so much as a flicker of nervous tension from start to finish.
Thinking about coming second in the group stage, England?
Which England star has 7 GCSEs? Who has lost half of his finger? Test your knowledge of Thomas Tuchel’s squad with our exclusive quiz HERE.
