- The United States flag was met with loud boos and jeers from spectators at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City during the opening ceremony of the World Cup.
- This reaction occurred as the US flag was paraded onto the pitch and displayed on the stadium's big screen, ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
- The atmosphere notably shifted from jubilant roars for other flags, including Canada's, to audible disapproval for the US flag, before cheers resumed for Mexico's flag.
- The United States is scheduled to host 78 of the 104 games during this World Cup, which is three times more than the combined total for co-hosts Mexico and Canada.
- The build-up to the 48-team tournament has been marked by several controversies, many of which involve the United States and Donald Trump, including US strikes against Iran, a participating team, in February.
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USA flag booed before World Cup 2026 opening game in Mexico City
