Shakira's unseen moment as police clash: Three things missed from World Cup opening ceremony

The World Cup officially kicked off in Mexico on Thursday as the co-hosts beat South Africa 2-0 in the opener.

Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, as well as three red cards, made for a fitting opening clash on the pitch, having followed a dazzling opening ceremony.

Shakira and Tyla were among the performers to grace the stage at the Azteca Stadium in the first of three opening ceremonies, with Canada to launch their own campaign on Friday, and the United States on Saturday.

This summer's World Cup has been swarmed in controversy and there is no sign of that going away, but Thursday's celebration looked to be enjoyed by all.

Especially after Mexico had won the game, with Mexico City exploding into a sea of celebratory green.

But not everything that took place as dancers took to the stage on Thursday was captured on camera, with three things you may have missed here.

Shakira dances with security

Predictably, Thursday's game was subject to a late kick-off as stadium staff attempted to clear the pitch.

In a clip captured from the stands, Shakira can be pictured stopping to dance with what looks to be a member of security.

The pair spin hand in hand for a moment as the Mexican music continues to blast out in the background.

They are then hurried off the pitch by panicked officials as the World Cup opener is readied.

Protests rage outside of Azteca

As celebration filled the Azteca Stadium, protesters clashed with police on the streets outside.

Mexico City has been the subject of huge protest for some time, with several different groups coming to the fore as the World Cup kicks off.

The country's disappearance crisis is an issue that has affected countless families, with a reported 133,000 missing people suspected to be related to organised crime.

Teachers' protests have also been raging on in the Mexican capital, with pay, pensions and working conditions under fire.

More than 10,000 police officers reportedly took to the streets to ease tensions on Thursday, but had the opposite effect as protesters clashed with the City's authorities.

United States booed in opening ceremony

While a World Cup in name, the United States and FIFA have been under fire for their refusal to actually include the world this summer.

Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was due to officiate at the tournament but was denied entry to the country, along with hundreds of fans from across the world.

The United States' ongoing conflict in the Middle East has also seen them take the action to forbid the Iran international team from staying in the country in between their group stage matches.

President Donald Trump was awarded the first FIFA Peace Prize in December but anything but peace has followed, with Gianni Infantino managing to look more ridiculous by the day.

As each participating country's flag was led out in the opening ceremony's closing stages, the United States flag was roundly booed by Azteca Stadium.