Mexico's national football team, 'El Tri', secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in their opening World Cup fixture at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The win provided a moment of euphoria for thousands of fans, offering a brief escape from the underlying social tensions and protests that have recently gripped Mexico City.
The journey to the stadium on Thursday painted a stark picture of the capital. While jubilant fans, adorned in national colours and chanting passionately, made their way through steel barriers and past traditional musicians, a smaller contingent of protesters clashed with riot police further down the street. Although the scale of the demonstrations had reduced following a recent agreement between President Claudia Sheinbaum and striking teachers, remnants of the unrest persisted, with debris reportedly thrown at officers.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere inside the renovated Azteca, a sense of disquiet lingers among some Mexican fans regarding their country's role in the tournament. With the majority of matches, including the final, scheduled to take place in the United States, and Canada also hosting games, Mexico's share has been described by one fan as merely 'un pedacito' – a tiny piece. This sentiment contrasts sharply with the nation's more prominent hosting duties in 1970 and 1986, where the tournaments became deeply ingrained in the country's collective memory.
Inside the packed stadium, which FIFA had significantly refurbished, the spectacle was vibrant. An early goal from Julián Quiñones, capitalising on a defensive error within the first ten minutes, ignited the crowd and set Mexico on their way. The thunderous roar that followed Quiñones' strike reportedly saw Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre, who himself played in Mexico's 1986 opener, clench his fists in celebration before being engulfed by his staff and players. The match, which ended 2-0, also saw three red cards issued, indicating a feisty encounter.
Midfielder Érik Lira expressed his surprise and gratitude for the overwhelming support, noting thousands of people waiting to encourage the team on their bus journey. He described seeing signs like 'Mexico united' and 'We love Mexico', highlighting the unifying power of football in a nation facing internal challenges.