Wild scenes in Mexico City as fans fill the streets after World Cup opener

The last-minute panic to buy Mexico jerseys from street sellers lining busy footpaths.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway as South Korea comes from a goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 and Mexico defeats South Africa 2-0 in an opening game which features three red cards.

The joyous congregation of hundreds singing and dancing around Mexico City’s iconic El Ángel de la Independencia.

The cheers and car horns honking in celebration until the early hours of the morning.

If this was how Mexicans marked the day before their opening World Cup match, it was always going to be so much better after.

The players completed the first part of the equation, beating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of this World Cup, staged across Mexico, Canada, and the USA.

The afterparty then kicked off, with fans streaming down the city's famous boulevard, Paseo de la Reforma, which turned into a pedestrian-only World Cup fever dream.

Fans partying long into the night in Mexico's capital. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)

There were beer showers, fake snow sprays, conga lines, and plastic World Cup trophies being hoisted in victory.

Add in sumptuous street food, snacks, souvenirs, and glow sticks galore, all accompanied by a free concert.

There was a festival atmosphere and plenty of street vendors. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)

Grilled Mexican street corn, yum. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)

It may seem like an incredible outpouring of passion for an opening group game, but this is standard practice in Mexico after any major national men's team victory.

They gather at their version of Fed Square — a victory monument on a busy roundabout — with an unmatched stamina to party all through the night.

These fans were particularly enthusiastic. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)

The vibes were high before the match, with traditional performers entertaining fans outside.

It's not a proper Mexican party until there's a sombrero. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)

The 80,000 fans sang along to the opening ceremony performers, particularly entranced with the World Cup queen herself, Shakira.

But the feel-it-deep-in-your-soul roars were saved for the two goals, particularly Raúl Jiménez's header, years after his comeback from a horrific head injury.

It was almost matched by the reception for 17-year-old superstar in waiting Gilberto Mora when he came on as a second half substitute.

The crowd unanimously started chanting his name — special welcome reserved for someone tipped to change the face of the game here.

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