Chaos erupts outside Mexico City World Cup stadium as protesters fight with riot police and man suffers heart attack

The opening match of the 2026 World Cup was marred by scenes of violence outside the stadium in Mexico City after protesters fought with riot police and a man suffered a serious medical emergency.

While the festivities continued at the iconic 87,000-seat Mexico City Stadium, often referred to as the Estadio Azteca, more unpleasant scenes unfolded just outside the gates, away from the glare of the world.

The Daily Mail witnessed the carnage as protesters, some said to be families of those missing in the Mexican drug war, attempted to enter the stadium and were forcibly pushed back by police.

Just 10 minutes before the opening Mexico-South Africa tournament was due to kick off, hundreds of protesters approached the stadium from the north-east side, attempting to break into the stadium’s inner ring.

They threw flares and stones at police and smashed a truck parked near the stadium. Riot police were quickly deployed from Gate C and pushed them back the way they came, firing tear gas in the process.

On social media numbers were estimated at 2,000 protesters and around 300 riot police, as well as a mounted unit at Gate 8 of the stadium.

A demonstrator waves a stick in front of riot police during violent protests outside the stadium

A police chief briefs riot police who are blocking the passage of protesters

Inside the stadium, the contrast was stark as Mexico scored an early goal in the opening game.

While the massacre was taking place outside, the chants at the beginning of the match could be heard inside in stark contrast.

Another – unrelated – tragic incident occurred outside the stadium after a video of a man apparently having a heart attack was shared online.

The man’s current condition is unknown, but widely shared footage shows him receiving CPR from a group of paramedics after suffering a medical emergency on his way to the stadium to watch the match.

After the match started and initial violence outside was quelled, riot police lined up at the gates of the stadium to protect those inside.

An extra security perimeter was set up and the Daily Mail witnessed a policewoman who was in and out of consciousness being taken away with a bleeding head wound.

Massacre erupts outside Mexico City Stadium as protesters clash with riot police

Unpleasant scenes unfold as the first match of the World Cup begins just meters away

Ahead of the opening match, eight simultaneous protests were reportedly planned around Mexico City, specifically coinciding with the start of the World Cup.

According to multiple reports, groups expected to take action included heartbroken families of those affected by the ongoing drug war between the cartels and law enforcement, the CNTE (teachers union), Federal Judiciary employees, transportation workers, healthcare workers and farmers’ organizations.

There was a heavy police presence around the stadium as police anticipated unrest and attempted to quickly shut down the stadium.

At the stadium, the World Cup got off to a flying start with the opening ceremony officiated by Shakira, with the team itself scoring within the first 10 minutes of the match.