REUTERS, Mexico City

Mexico launched the World Cup yesterday at the iconic Azteca Stadium with a vibrant ceremony celebrating pre-Hispanic culture, as fans packed the venue for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa against a backdrop of protests across the capital.

The match ended in favour of the co-host, who secured a 2-0 win over South Africa in a game that turned chaotic, with three straight reds shown.

Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament to give Mexico the lead in the ninth minute, before Raul Jimenez sealed the game in the second half.

However, the game also had some chaos in store, as South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, alongside Mexico’s Cesar Montes were shown direct reds.

Before the game, supporters dressed in mariachi outfits, sombreros and green jerseys filled the stadium, while Shakira and Burna Boy performed the tournament anthem and pyrotechnics lit up the sky.

Alejandro Garcia, 50, wearing a sombrero and carrying a replica World Cup trophy, said he was proud Avelina

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