Mexico city, Jun 10 (AP) Escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico’s capital threaten to derail FIFA World Cup celebrations on the eve of the opening ceremony as protesters effectively block off access to the plaza set to host the country’s main fan celebrations.

Sixteen stadiums in Mexico, Canada and the United States will stage the games during the first 48-team World Cup. RFI looks at the venues to be used between 11 June and 19 July.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Live: The first of three opening ceremonies in this tournament will get underway at the iconic Estadio Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Thursday night.

The official FIFA fan fest in Mexico City for the opening ceremony and first game of the 2026 World Cup, due to be attended by Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum, could be forced to be relocated over protests from the country's teachers' union.

The USMNT will open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, but will the stadium be at a capacity crowd? The last 2026 World Cup host to take center stage is the United States .