Some places in football feel larger than life. Places where history doesn’t just live in the walls — it echoes through every seat, every tunnel, every patch of grass. For me, covering the opening match of the FIFA World Cup at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium was exactly that kind of experience.

This wasn’t just another assignment. It was my first-ever World Cup coverage — something I had dreamed about for years. But what made it even more special was where it happened. I lived nine years of my life in Mexico, and in many ways, Mexico still feels like home to me. To experience a moment of this magnitude there made it deeply personal.

The day started early — very early.

At 5:00 a.m., I left with my friend and Mexican photographer Hugo Rivera to make our way to the stadium. The streets were still quiet as we headed toward one of football’s most iconic venues. We arrived shortly after 6:00 a.m., long before kickoff, but already the excitement was beginning to build.

We grabbed a coffee and started photographing fans arriving at the stadium. And if there’s one thing Mexicans know how to do, it’s celebrate football. Fans came dressed in every shade of green, draped in flags, wearing oversized sombreros, face paint, wrestling masks, and costumes that turned the walk to the stadium into a festival. Music played, chants echoed through the morning air, and strangers celebrated together as if they had known each other for years. The energy was contagious — joyful, loud, and uniquely Mexican.

Then came the moment to switch gears.

I made my way to the media center before eventually heading down to the pitch to find my photo position. Walking onto the field and seeing the stadium begin to fill was surreal. More than 80,000 people packed into the stands, creating a sea of color and anticipation. This was not just any stadium.

This is Azteca.

The stadium where Pelé lifted the World Cup for Brazil in 1970. The stadium where Diego Maradona produced both genius and controversy in 1986 — including the infamous “Hand of God” goal — on his way to leading Argentina to World Cup glory. And now, decades later, this same ground was once again hosting the opening match of football’s biggest tournament.

The opening ceremony only added to the emotion of the day. Global stars like Shakira and Andrea Bocelli performed in front of a packed stadium, creating the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why the World Cup is unlike anything else in sport.

Then, finally, came the football.

Mexico wasted little time making the home crowd erupt. Julián Quiñones scored early to give El Tri the lead, sending the stadium into absolute chaos. Every tackle, every attack, every near chance felt amplified by the noise of more than 80,000 voices.

Mexico looked the more dangerous side throughout, but the moment of the night came in the second half.

Raúl Jiménez scored Mexico’s second goal — and it felt bigger than football.

Not long ago, his career hung in the balance after suffering a horrific head injury that nearly fractured his skull. There were real fears he might never return to the same level again. To now see him score in the opening match of a World Cup, at home, in front of his own people, felt emotional for everyone in the stadium. It was a reminder of resilience, perseverance, and what football can mean.

As I stood there photographing the celebrations, I found myself taking in the moment.

My first World Cup.

In a country that feels like home.

At one of football’s most historic stadiums.

It was an experience I will never forget.

A big thank you to my partners in this adventure - Parkeringsplasser AS and PadelBlu Albufeira for making this possible.

A World Cup Dream Begins at Azteca

PadelBlu Albufeira’s 1-Year Anniversary Tournament