Man dies at Estadio Azteca before World Cup 2026 Mexico vs South Africa game

A man died at Estadio Azteca just before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after reportedly suffering a suspected heart attack ahead of the Mexico vs South Africa opener

A man has tragically passed away just before the inaugural match of the World Cup 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico. The 80-year-old is thought to have suffered a suspected heart attack at Gate one of the Mexico City Stadium.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, causing alarm among spectators and stadium personnel. Paramedics from the World Cup security team were on site within minutes to administer first aid, with emergency medical technicians stabilising the German national through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The gentleman was revived in the ambulance and was in a stable condition under observation in hospital, according to the Secretariat of Citizen Security and Civil Protection. But sadly, he later died.

The 2026 World Cup gets kicked off at 8pm tonight with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. The United States, Mexico and Canada are poised to host 48 teams for a six-week football extravaganza.

The build-up to the tournament has been hugely contentious with Iran issuing a fresh statement threatening to abandon their fixtures under certain circumstances.

Meanwhile, Somalian referee Omar Artan has now headed back home after being denied entry to the USA on Tuesday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called on critics to “chill and relax” following the criticism his organisation has encountered. He addressed various matters at a press conference on Wednesday during which he declared that he would have personally driven the Iranian national team bus from Tehran to the United States to ensure they reached the World Cup.

Earlier this evening, Shakira took to the stage alongside Burna Boy and a plethora of other artists at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony. The Colombian was once again been entrusted with crafting the official song of the World Cup and unveiled Dai Dai, 16 years after her 2010 smash hit Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) which was the anthem for the World Cup in South Africa.

The performance kicked off the event at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. Fireworks exploded as the artists danced and sang to an excited crowd ahead of tonight’s clash. Fans joined in enthusiastically with the entertainment unfolding before them in a riot of colour, whetting the appetite before the co-hosts’ opening game.

Hollywood star Salma Hayek Pinault delivered a call for global unity, at a finals whose build-up has highlighted just how divided and full of inequality the world can be.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.