Mexico City Celebrates in the Rain After Opening World Cup Win

Mexico City erupted late into the night after Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in its opening match, and neither heavy rain nor crowded streets slowed the celebrations. Hours after the final whistle, fans in green poured out of Estadio Azteca and flooded central neighborhoods, gathering around Plaza de la Independencia, filling bars and restaurants, and acting as if Mexico had already won the World Cup.

The festivities began outside the stadium, where thousands waited more than an hour for the national team to leave. When the team bus arrived, it was escorted by military vehicles carrying masked soldiers with rifles and submachine guns, while excited fans screamed along the route. The mood was so intense that the reporter compared it to a Hollywood scene and to Beatlemania.

The crowd reflected the whole city: babies in carriers, children wrapped in Mexican flags, teenagers, couples, parents, grandparents, and even many dressed-up chihuahuas. Street vendors chased the crowd selling national team shirts, and one tattoo artist kept his shop open late, saying, “Since the win I have already tattooed two or three Mexican flags.”

Even a minor car crash at an intersection did not interrupt the party. The drivers inspected the damage, exchanged a few words, and drove on. The report ends by suggesting that if this is what the first victory looks like, President Claudia Sheinbaum may eventually have to order citizens to go home.