Charlotte Daly, a correspondent for the British newspaper "Daily Mail," directed scathing criticism at officials in Mexico after the events she described as chaotic that accompanied the opening of the 2026 World Cup.
Charlotte Daly published an article in the Daily Mail in which she revealed the suffering she experienced on the opening day, saying: "The World Cup is supposed to be the greatest celebration of football for millions of viewers around the world. The opening day is supposed to be all about packed stadiums, colorful crowds, and the start of a month-long sporting festival, but my first 24 hours in Mexico painted a completely different picture."
She added: "Before I even kicked the ball, I was robbed and got stuck in an official FIFA media bus that couldn't reach the stadium, and I found myself in the middle of violent clashes outside the stadium where the tournament's opening ceremony was to be held."
She also revealed the moment she was robbed, saying: "The streets were crowded, and when I noticed some people who looked suspicious, I decided to move my phone, bank cards, and valuables into my backpack. I felt this was the best course of action, but I was robbed in broad daylight, and no one lifted a finger."
She continued: "On the eve of the biggest sporting event on Earth, I found myself canceling credit cards, filing police reports, and trying to manage during the first week of the tournament without a phone."
Charlotte Daly also revealed the journalists' struggle to reach the stadium, saying: "Despite traveling on an official FIFA media bus, several roads were closed, and at one point the bus stopped while officials stood on the side of the road making phone calls trying to find a way to get us to the stadium."
She added: "My journey took more than two hours, and then the scenes that overshadowed the opening match itself began. Protesters gathered outside the stadium, some drawing attention to the crisis of the 133,000 missing persons in Mexico, and others were teachers protesting about wages, pensions, and working conditions."
