Thousands of football fans tried to enter Mexico City’s official World Cup fan zone on Thursday, causing chaotic scenes just over an hour before kick-off of the opening match.
Access to the fan festival in Zocala Square was blocked by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers from reaching the area.
«Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you look like animals!» a city official shouted through a megaphone as he tried to control access to the fan venue where the Mexico-South Africa match at Azteca Stadium will be shown on a giant screen.
Some fans threw water bottles, hurled insults at police and chanted in support of the Mexican team.
“It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan dressed in a poncho with the colors of the Mexican flag. “There could have been better organization.”
The local government announced on social media that the site was ‘full’ and suggested fans go to other squares.
President Claudia Sheinbaum was expected to watch the match in the fan zone but her attendance was questioned after days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay increases.
Published on June 11, 2026
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