The US Flag Was Booed at the World Cup Opening — Here’s What Happened

The 2026 World Cup began with music, celebration and a packed stadium in Mexico City, but one moment during the opening ceremony produced an unmistakable change in the crowd’s mood. As the participating nations were introduced, loud boos suddenly replaced the cheers heard moments earlier.

The reaction came before Mexico’s opening match against South Africa on June 11 and immediately became one of the most discussed scenes from the tournament’s first day. Here is what happened inside the Azteca Stadium and why the moment attracted so much attention.