As the largest World Cup kicked off in Mexico City on Thursday, the security around Estadio Azteca was strict, as law enforcement officers held off protesters.
Mexico and Canada have faced significant recent tension in their relations with the United States. But in their historic World Cup bid, the three countries promoted teamwork.
Mexico City’s iconic stadium will host the opener for a record third time, after undergoing a near $200 million makeover for this World Cup and increasing its capacity to 87,500 seats.