• Mexico City opens the World Cup with excitement and protests.
• Thousands gather at the Azteca stadium, enjoying performances from global stars.
• Social issues and protests overshadow the celebrations in the capital.
• Ticket prices create controversy among local fans and residents.
• Mexico co-hosts the World Cup along with the US and Canada.

The 2026 World Cup kicked off in Mexico City at the renowned Azteca stadium, with the opening ceremony featuring vibrant performances and a celebration of local culture. Global music stars, including Shakira and Burna Boy, entertained fans dressed in Mariachi costumes and waving flags, creating a tapestry of excitement much anticipated for this home tournament, the first in 40 years for Mexico. Alejandro Garcia, a fan decked out in traditional attire, expressed his pride in hosting the tournament, declaring, "This is our temple," according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Outside the excitement of the stadium, however, Mexico City faced a stark contradiction, with ongoing social unrest leading to several planned protests. Groups advocating for various social causes, including teachers demanding better pay, leveraged the global attention surrounding the World Cup to spotlight pressing issues in the country. Avelina Cruz Miguel, a teacher, conveyed the sentiment of many, asserting, "There is no support for education in Mexico," highlighting the serious concerns amidst celebrations, according to BBC and Reuters.

In preparation for the event, local residents had their own issues to contend with, including prohibitively high ticket prices, with some attendees reporting costs of up to $3,000. Many locals expressed frustration that funds were directed toward beautifying the city for visitors rather than addressing long-standing infrastructure problems. This concern was echoed by fans like Jonathan Cordoba, who noted that "FIFA is only interested in profit," emphasizing the struggle of ordinary Mexicans to enjoy the festivities, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.