The World Cup opened with a glittering ceremony featuring Shakira, but the party was quickly overshadowed by protests and a stark security warning from the British government for fans travelling to Mexico. Thousands took to the streets in host cities, angered by the tournament’s cost and corruption allegations. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office urged UK supporters to remain vigilant, citing risks of crime and civil unrest.
For the working class back home, the spectacle feels a world away. Many are struggling with rising bills and stagnant wages, leaving little to spare for a televised jamboree. The message from the North is clear: while the rich cheer on, ordinary families are left counting their pennies.
