Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 triumph over South Africa at Estadio Azteca, yet the match was eclipsed by a record‑tying three red cards and chaotic scenes outside the venue. simultaneously, large sections of the Guadalajara arena sat empty, and violent protests erupted near the capital’s stadium just minutes before kickoff.

Three Red Cards Define Mexico‑South Africa Opener

Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio issued three dismissals, a tally that nearly matched the total red‑card count from the entire 2022 tournament, according to the match report.. The first came when South African midfielder Yaya Sithole, already booked, fouled Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez, prompting a straight red. Sithole’s errant pass later led to Julian Quinones’ early goal, and two further expulsions – including Cesar Montes’ second yellow and a VAR‑reviewed straight red for Themba Zwane – left South Africa with nine men.

Empty Seats in Guadalajara Challenge FIFA’s Ticket Claims

Broadcast footage from the second Group A match in Guadalajara showed vast rows of vacant seats, contradicting FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s earlier claim of 500 million ticket requests. The visual embarrassment sparked criticism of the tournament’s demand forecasting and stadium allocation, as analysts note that the empty sections could reflect pricing, travel logistics, or lingering pandemic fatigue.

Violent Protests Outside Estadio Azteca Highlight Social Tensions

Peaceful demonstrations over Mexico’s missing‑persons crisis and teachers’ rights turned violent just before the opening game, with hundreds of protesters breaching security barriers,throwing rocks and setting flares.. Riot police responded with tear gas and mounted units, resulting in several injuries, including a serious head wound to a female officer, as reported by local media.

Broadcast Slip‑Ups and Cultural Spectacle Amid the Chaos

ITV’s pre‑match coverage stumbled when presenter Semra Hunter mistakenly identified Sweden’s manager Graham Potter as England’s Gareth Southgate, a blunder that quickly went viral. Meanwhile,the opening ceremony featured feathered costumes, life‑size Labubu dolls and a headline performance by Shakira, providing a vivid cultural counterpoint to the day’s turmoil.

Who Is Behind the Empty‑Stadium Phenomenon?

While FIFA points to ticket‑request numbers, the source of the empty‑stadium issue remains unclear . Questions linger about whether pricing strategies, inadequate transportation links, or security concerns deterred fans, and organizers have yet to release a detailed explanation.

According to the source, the three red cards and the protests were the most talked‑about moments of the opening day, underscoring how off‑field events can dominate the narrative of a global sporting spectacle.