Yesterday’s opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup at the Estadio Azteca, before of the inaugural match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, had the audience enthralled with Afrobeats artist Burna Boy and singer Shakira.
There will be 104 games in the 48-team competition, which is also being hosted by the US and Canada. The final will take place in New Jersey on July 19.
In the historic 80,000-seat stadium, which hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986 and has been rebuilt for this year’s competition, dancers spun around a massive model of the trophy while fireworks went off, according to AFP.
The crowd erupted in applause as Colombian celebrity Shakira and Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song, during the ceremony’s high point.
As the noise level increased prior to kickoff, other performers included Italian singer Andrea Bocelli and J Balvin.
Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old fan, remarked, “It’s already a party in Mexico.”
“It’s incredible,” remarked 19-year-old Gustavo Ramírez.
Shortly before the 1800 GMT kickoff, thousands of people were pushed and shoved as they tried to reach the official World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s center, creating a chaotic scene despite the stadium’s jubilant atmosphere.
Metal barriers installed in recent days to keep protesting teachers from accessing the fan zone in Zocalo Plaza hindered access.
A city official used a megaphone to yell, “Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” while attempting to restrict entry to the location where the opening game was scheduled to be broadcast on a large screen.
In addition to yelling in favour of the Mexican side, other supporters tossed water bottles and insulted the police.
A 25-year-old enthusiast named Javier Maciel declared, “It’s crazy.” “The organization could have been better.”
On social media, the local authorities declared that the location was “full” and advised supporters to visit nearby plazas.
President Claudia Sheinbaum was supposed to attend the game at the fan zone, but her attendance was questioned after days of teacher protests calling for salary increases.
About the Author
