Mexico City transformed into one massive party on Thursday as an estimated half a million people flooded the capital to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening day and Mexico’s triumphant 2-0 victory over South Africa.
According to Mexico City’s local government, the celebrations spanned the entire capital. The Estadio Azteca drew 80,000 fans for the match itself, while an additional 100,000 people gathered at the massive Fan Fest installed in the iconic Zócalo — the city’s main plaza. The Ángel de la Independencia, a beloved monument and traditional celebration hub, hosted another 120,000 jubilant fans who cheered every goal as Mexico opened their Group A campaign with a convincing win.
The city also deployed 16 simultaneous “Festivales Futboleros” across all 16 boroughs, drawing 200,000 attendees for family-friendly activities, ensuring every corner of the capital could join the celebration.
Apparel and Merchandise Boom
The World Cup has sparked a massive surge in demand for Mexico-themed apparel. In the streets around the Zócalo, particularly along Madero and 16 de Septiembre streets, vendors reported that Mexico national team jerseys were the hottest-selling item, with unofficial merchandise prices ranging from 100 to 400 pesos.
Restaurants in the historic center saw prices rise 10-20 percent due to demand, with menu prices jumping from 600-800 pesos to 800-1,200 pesos per person. One restaurant employee noted they hoped the World Cup would help recover business lost during recent teacher protests that had cut sales by up to 90 percent.
Crackdown on Pirate Merchandise
The surge in demand for Mexico World Cup apparel has also attracted vendors selling unauthorised merchandise. Just two days before the opening match, authorities seized 65,934 pieces of illegal World Cup merchandise in a single raid at Plaza Leona Vicario in the historic center. The operation, coordinated by the Navy, Mexico City Security Secretariat, National Guard, and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), targeted counterfeit jerseys, balls, keychains, plush toys, and other memorabilia.
Despite ongoing enforcement operations, informal vendors continue selling across the historic district, with Mexico jerseys remaining the most sought-after items.
Mexico now leads Group A after matchday one and returns to action on June 19 against South Korea at Estadio Azteca. With the World Cup running through July 19, the demand for Mexico fan gear — both official and otherwise — shows no signs of cooling down.