Protesters have clashed with riot police outside Mexico City Stadium in a chaotic start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There was chaos both inside and outside the ground, as Mexico’s World Cup campaign kicked off against South Africa in a controversial game marred by red cards.

Mexico won the match 2-0 as things spiralled out of control outside the arena.

The Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City (SSC CDMX) blamed the violent scenes on “a group of around 200 hooded individuals”.

It was reported that at one point dozens of the protesters suddenly stormed the stadium near Gate 8.

The Express reported that “Molotov cocktails” (glass bottles filled with a flammable liquid and a cloth wick) were thrown at police.

El Universal said the violent scenes started as “a march by various collectives ... that ended in a confrontation with the capital police”.

Some of the protesters carried signs of “disappeared people” alleged to have been kidnapped or even killed by a criminal syndicate or Mexican authorities.

The Express said: “Tensions have risen as visitors pour into Mexico City, with some residents arguing that officials have focused on the event at the expense of urgent social concerns.”

During the lead-up to the World Cup opener, there had also been protests by a “militant wing” of Mexico’s national teachers’ union. 

The situation has been brought under control and a 28-year-old woman was arrested (but later released).

A strong police presence around the 82,000-capacity stadium had been noticeable before the start of the match, but it didn’t deter the protesters.

Local authorities also reported that there had been an incident at a fanzone in the city which had also been defused.

Meanhwile, Mexico ended their misery in World Cup opening matches with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a match featuring three red cards.

The co-hosts had been involved in seven matches which either alone, or jointly, opened previous tournaments, but had won none of them.

They put that right at the eighth attempt, however, as goals from Julian Quinones and Fulham’s Raul Jimenez in either half gave them a victorious start against a South African side that finished with nine men.

Cesar Montes’s dismissal in stoppage time took some of the shine off an otherwise upbeat afternoon for local fans.

South Africa created few chances throughout the match one of which came in the second half when Thabang Matuludi managed to get his shot away only to direct it goalkeeper Raul Rangel.

South Africa substitute Themba Zwane was sent off after a VAR review for appearing to strike Alvarado in the face late on as the pair tangled, on a day which firmly belonged to the host nation.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio produced one more red, sending off César Montes in stoppage time for a challenge on Khuliso Mudau.

- With AAP