Police clash with protesters over drug cartels ahead of World Cup opener in Mexico City
Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
The protesters aimed to shed light on a pressing issue.
Details: Yesterday, just before the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City, an unpleasant incident unfolded near the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Several hours before kick-off between Mexico and South Africa, dozens of protesters took to the streets, chanting slogans to draw public attention to the problem of drug cartels.
Specifically, the demonstrators wanted the world to focus on the people who have gone missing as a result of the ongoing war between Mexican drug cartels.
The police were not pleased with such demonstrations ahead of the World Cup and decided to disperse the protest by force, which led to a clash and several casualties.
Eventually, the protest was suppressed, and the streets of Mexico City once again rang out with cheerful songs and celebrations.
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