New Delhi, June 11 -- FIFA Opening Ceremony Protest LIVE: As Mexico City geared up to host the opening match of the World Cup on Thursday, the atmosphere around the iconic Estadio Azteca was electric, with mariachi music, blaring trumpets and waves of supporters dressed in dark green filling the area despite protests taking place across the capital.

Large crowds formed outside the stadium, creating long queues as fans waited to enter the first venue in history to host matches at three different World Cups. Inside, thousands of spectators joined together in song ahead of kickoff between Mexico and South Africa, according to Reuters.

Among them was 50-year-old Alejandro Garcia, who wore a sombrero and carried a replica World Cup trophy. H...