The 2024 FIFA World Cup commenced today with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium. The game began at 13:00 local time (22:00 Romanian time) and is the first of 104 scheduled matches. The Azteca Stadium, with a capacity of 80,824, is hosting its third opening game in World Cup history. Authorities have deployed a significant security presence around the stadium and throughout Mexico City. This heightened security is in response to potential street protests anticipated during the tournament. The event marks the start of a unique World Cup, co-hosted across multiple countries. The match is being widely reported by international news agencies like AFP and Agerpres.