Mexico City Erupts in Rain-Soaked Celebration After World Cup Opener Win

Mexico City stayed in full celebration mode for hours after Mexico’s 2-0 opening win over South Africa, with crowds flooding the streets, bars and restaurants around the capital, especially near the Zócalo and Angel of Independence. The report says the mood was so intense that, if someone from the future had arrived, they might have assumed Mexico had won the World Cup itself.

The festivities began outside Estadio Azteca, where thousands of fans waited more than an hour for the national team despite heavy rain. The team’s bus arrived under tight security, followed by military vehicles carrying masked soldiers with drawn weapons and submachine guns. As it passed, women were seen screaming in scenes compared to Beatles-era frenzy.

The celebration was strikingly broad, with babies in slings, children wrapped in Mexican flags, teenagers, young couples, adults, grandparents and even many chihuahuas joining in. Street vendors chased the crowds with piles of national-team shirts, while a tattoo artist kept working late into the evening and said, “Since the win, I have already tattooed two or three Mexican flags.”

Even a car crash in the middle of the festivities barely caused a pause, as the drivers inspected the damage and moved on. The piece ends by noting that if this is how Mexicans celebrate one victory, the capital may need to brace for much bigger scenes if the team advances further in the tournament.