Hundreds of police deployed in Mexico City before World Cup opening

According to videos published by local media, officers equipped with helmets, shields and rubber sticks were placed inside and outside the Benito Juarez airport terminal.

The airport announced that the entrance will only be allowed for passengers with unfinished cards and necessary escorts, urging travelers to arrive earlier due to possible demonstrations in the area.

Security measures have also been strengthened around the “Estadio Azteca” stadium, where Mexico will face South Africa today in the first match of the tournament, following the opening ceremony.

The patience remains for the planned fan festival in the Zócalo central square, where a radical teachers union continues to hold a protest camp.

The group has organised roadblocks and demonstrations in the capital, demanding the abolition of the 2007 pension law -- a requirement the government considers irreplaceable.

Authorities are still investigating whether Zócalo, where up to 800,000 visitors are expected, will be available for World Cup celebrations.

Mexican President Claudia Shanebaum had planned to attend the opening ceremony there rather than the stadium.

“If Zócalo is not available for the opening ceremony for any reason, there are 18 places where the event can be followed free of”, Sheinbaum said, follows abcnews.

Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said authorities would later clarify the way the fan festival will take place.

Mexico is hosting the World Cup for the third time in history. This time the tour takes place jointly with the United States of America and Canada.

Mexico City will host five matches, while the towns of Monterrey and Guadalajara will host four games each.