Coupe du monde 2026 : ce qui s’est passé avant le match Mexique-Afrique du Sud !

World Cup 2026 Today at 07:14

Hazem Mlhem

News Editor

11.06.26 FT World Cup

Mexico

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South Africa

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Before the opening match of the 2026 World Cup between South Africa and Mexico, the local police uncovered something far from joyful for fans—and certainly for the Mexican government—just outside the historic Azteca Stadium.

Before the ball rolled onto the pitch at the Azteca and the opening whistle sounded for the clash between the Mexican national team and their South African counterparts, the streets of Mexico City were the stage for a scene entirely removed from the glare of lights and the rhythms of celebration.

Dozens of protesters took to the streets quietly, holding up banners and raising voices not in pursuit of football glory, but to urge the world—if only for a moment—to pay attention to wounds that never heal within Mexican society: people who vanished in the shadows of the hidden war against drug cartels, swallowed by the earth as if they had never existed.

All they sought was a glance, a moment of attention, or even a single cry that could be heard above the roar of football festivities. Yet the city streets were already dressed for the grand spectacle, and the missing faces were not on the guest list.

The police didn’t wait long. The order to disperse came quickly and harshly. The peaceful march erupted into violent clashes, leaving an undisclosed number of people injured. The dream of drawing attention turned into a nightmare of broad daylight skirmishes.

In the end, all that remained was an eerie silence, soon replaced by the pounding of drums and blasts of horns. The streets of Mexico City returned to their previous state: flags waving, songs soaring, and mariachi bands playing triumphant tunes.

And the names of the missing? They faded once more into the shadows, awaiting another World Cup that may never come.

Related teams and leagues

Mexico

South Africa

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