Shakira Lights Up the Stage as World Cup Kicks Off in Mexico City
Opening Match Sparks Excitement
Poinews.com – The 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced on Thursday evening with Mexico facing South Africa in the Estadio Azteca, a historic venue in Mexico City. The match marked the start of a global competition featuring 48 teams, set to span nearly six weeks. Mexico took an early lead in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by South Africa, with Julián Quiñones scoring after a pass from Érik Lira. The team maintained pressure throughout the first half before Raúl Jiménez secured a second goal with a header in the second half, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Tournament Overview
The event is projected to generate $13 billion in total revenue, a figure that highlights its economic significance. Despite the high costs, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the organization, addressing concerns about ticket prices and visa issues. He emphasized that the $60 entry tickets were a response to criticism, while the average price of $500 remains the lowest among American sports. Infantino also noted that the visa controversy involving Somali referee Omar Artan, who was barred from entering the U.S., did not detract from the tournament’s success.
Performers at the Opening Ceremony
Before the match, the Estadio Azteca hosted a vibrant opening ceremony. Colombian pop icon Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy captivated the audience with a performance of “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem. Legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and K-pop group EJAE also took the stage, adding to the celebration. The event underscored the World Cup’s role as a cultural and sporting spectacle.
FIFA’s Response to Criticism
While the match drew attention, FIFA faced scrutiny over its financial and logistical decisions. Ticket prices for some games exceeded $30,000, prompting sharp criticism. Infantino dismissed these concerns, stating,
“Our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest of any American sport in the play-off phases. The average price, below 500 dollars, is again the lowest of American sports on average.”
He also downplayed the controversy surrounding Artan, who was denied U.S. entry due to alleged ties to terrorist groups. Infantino remarked,
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. We don’t control everything… Sometimes it’s good to chill, relax, we work on everything, we try to solve everything.”
Trump’s Role and Global Participation
Infantino highlighted the importance of U.S. political support, particularly from former President Donald Trump. He stated,
“Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been, simple as that, impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States.”
Trump confirmed plans to attend select matches, calling the tournament a historic achievement. Meanwhile, Iran’s participation amid its military tensions with the U.S. was framed as a triumph for FIFA, with Infantino noting,
“People were saying Iran couldn’t come to the World Cup. There are challenges, it’s not easy, but I don’t know who else would have ensured their attendance under these circumstances.”
Coaches’ Pre-Match Strategies
South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, warned players to focus on their game despite the deafening atmosphere of the Azteca Stadium. “They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing. But we have to concentrate on our own performance. If we can do that, then we can have a good game,” Broos said. Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, acknowledged the team’s past struggles in opening matches, adding,
“We have to break the statistic. It will be another source of motivation.”
Protesters Gather Near Stadium
Later on Wednesday, hundreds of protesters returned to a nearby area of the Azteca Stadium, many being relatives of those impacted by the U.S. immigration policies affecting World Cup officials and fans.
