The World Cup began with the Mexican opening ceremony in the legendary Aztec Stadium. Shakira performed the World Cup song live for the first time. And the more than 80,000 fans celebrated a big party.
It was musically varied and, above all, brightly colored. Pop superstar Shakira wore a bright yellow costume and sunglasses during her performance as the warm-up for the biggest World Cup ever. Mariachi rhythms, indigenous costumes, lots of pyrotechnics and a gigantic World Cup trophy provided an appropriate setting. Hundreds of millions of football fans around the world were watching on TV.
The half-hour celebration opened in true Aztec style. The World Cup trophy, several meters high, rose from a small temple-like stage in the middle of the lawn. Three “priests” with feather headdresses in the Mexican national colors (green, white and red) led the colorful hustle and bustle around them. Over 300 actors created a connection to the present. Mexican singer Lila Downs proclaimed the motto: “Football unites us all.”
Music program delights fans
This was followed by a very varied music program between Mexican folklore and new pop music. FIFA had announced in advance that it also wanted to offer local talent a stage. And the concept worked. At times the whole stadium sang along.
The entire stadium sang along to the music program at the opening ceremony.
Part of the opening concert was reggaeton singer J Balvin, known for songs like “Mi gente” or “I Like It” and the Mexican rock band Maná. Tyla, Danny Ocean as well as Belinda and the Los Angeles Azules also made a short appearance – accompanied by dancers in neon-colored dresses typical of Central America.
Shakira performs the official World Cup song
The highlight was the performance of Shakira and Burna Boy, who performed the official World Cup song “Dai Dai” live for the first time. In addition to football stars such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, the song also mentions major football nations such as Germany. “Dai Dai” means something like in Italian “Let’s go”.
Shakira and Burna Boy at the opening ceremony
Shakira and Burna Boy clearly enjoyed their performance. They were accompanied by more than 40 dancers for the song.
For the Colombian, who sang the official World Cup song in 2010, it will not be the last appearance at this World Cup. They were previously announced as one of the acts scheduled to perform at the inaugural World Cup final halftime show on July 19 in the US.
Infantino presents the World Cup trophy
The celebration was interrupted as planned for the warm-up of the Mexico and South Africa teams. When the players left the pitch, the Mexican-born actress led the way to the parade of 48 nations. All flags were carried into the center circle – lastly those of the three hosts. To the great cheers of the fans.
The big party at the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City.
The last music act was Andrea Bocelli and singer Ejae and sang the World Cup anthem. DJ David Guetta was connected via video screen. Finally, FIFA Ambassador Hayek and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the golden World Cup trophy. Then it could start on the pitch.
There are two more to come Opening ceremonies
Canada’s opening ceremony will take place on June 12 in Toronto before Canada’s first match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group B. The show in the USA takes place on June 13th before the USA against Paraguay, the first game in Group D.