Sports

World Cup 2026 Kicks Off in Mexico City with Shakira, Spectacle — and Protests

The 2026 World Cup opened at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium with colourful performances by Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy and Maná, a packed crowd and Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa. Outside, clashes between radical protesters and police briefly disrupted nearby transport, but officials say the situation was contained.