Entertaining, even educational: Mexico’s World Cup opening ceremony delivers

Entertaining, even educational: Mexico’s World Cup opening ceremony delivers

A Bold Start with Cultural Flair

Entertaining even educational - The World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico, held at the Estadio Azteca, kicked off with a blend of tradition and innovation that left many fans intrigued. Mark Pougatch of ITV, known for his energetic commentary, opened with a remark that hinted at the ceremony’s modest ambitions: “Let’s be honest, opening ceremonies aren’t very memorable,” he said, setting the tone for what would become a surprise success. His initial skepticism was soon tempered as the event unfolded, offering a mix of musical performances and cultural storytelling that proved far more engaging than expected.

“Nothing is happening,” Pougatch shrugged, when the ceremony’s start was delayed by a few minutes. “This is why they don’t live long in the memory.”

Despite the early delays, the ceremony managed to balance brevity with creativity. The event’s organizers had chosen to highlight local talent, which contrasted sharply with the global star power typically reserved for the final’s half-time show—Madonna, Coldplay, and BTS are set to perform there. This focus on regional artists, however, did not dampen the overall experience, as the performances delivered a compelling narrative about Mexico’s rich musical heritage.

The Power of Local Artists

Maná, the most successful Latin American rock band of all time, opened the ceremony with a performance of their 1992 hit *Oye Mi Amor*. The band’s sound, reminiscent of The Police, showcased their enduring appeal and versatility. Their energetic set was a strong start, but the true highlights came from Venezuela’s Danny Ocean and Mexico’s Belinda. Both artists contributed to the event with their own interpretations of the 18 official World Cup songs, a number that had grown significantly from previous editions.

Ocean’s *Partidazo*, a vibrant reggaeton track, brought a sense of urgency and excitement to the stage. Belinda, in collaboration with veteran cumbia band Los Ángeles Azules, performed *Por Ella*, a sweet and soulful rendition that highlighted the intersection of traditional and modern Latin music. For British viewers unfamiliar with the genre, the performance was a disorienting experience, particularly when Los Ángeles Azules’ bassist appeared to be channeling the comedic flair of Paul Whitehouse during the song.

The Evolution of the World Cup Anthem

While the local lineup was impressive, the ceremony also underscored the growing influence of the official World Cup song. In past editions, these anthems were often memorable, but in 2026, they’ve taken on a new life—sometimes bordering on overwhelming. The anthem *Desire*, originally performed at the finals draw in December by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, has since been reimagined in a collaboration that includes Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, K-pop singer EJAE, and Megan Thee Stallion. The result is a track that leans heavily into the bold, danceable sounds of Afrobeats and hip-hop, leaving some to question its direction.

The ceremony also featured 16 versions of the official theme, each produced by a different host city. This approach aimed to celebrate the global nature of the tournament, but it also raised eyebrows. For instance, Jelly Roll’s contribution, *Lighter*, leaned into American themes with lyrics about religious redemption and overcoming hardship, while making little mention of the World Cup itself. This “America First” approach sparked debate, with some viewing it as a nod to the country’s cultural influence and others as a departure from the tournament’s core identity.

Shakira and Burna Boy, the standout performers of the night, brought a fresh energy to the event. Their rendition of *Dai Dai*, the official World Cup song for 2026, was a coolly minimal Afrobeats track that felt more accessible than many of its predecessors. Pougatch noted the duo’s charisma, especially Burna Boy’s occasional mic mishaps, which somehow didn’t detract from the performance. “Shakira gyrated her famously non-lying hips, Burna Boy occasionally forgot to put the microphone up to his mouth on cue—mysteriously, his voice rang out loud and clear regardless,” the commentator observed, capturing the spirit of the show.

A Pleasant Surprise in the World of Football

For those who had expected a forgettable spectacle, the opening ceremony turned out to be a genuine delight. The inclusion of iconic artists like Shakira and Burna Boy, paired with the cultural richness of Mexican and Latin American music, created a unique atmosphere that resonated with both local and international audiences. The ceremony’s brevity was also a key factor in its success, zipping along at a pace that kept viewers engaged without feeling rushed.

Compared to the era of Ricky Martin’s *La Copa de la Vida* or Toni Braxton’s *The Time Of Our Lives* with Il Divo, the 2026 anthem landscape feels more fragmented. While these earlier tracks had a certain timeless quality, the current crop of official songs—featuring artists like IShowSpeed and Jelly Roll—reflects a broader, more eclectic vision. The album compiling all 18 songs is a testament to this shift, blending genres and styles to create a soundtrack that’s as diverse as the teams competing in the tournament.

The ceremony’s educational value was also notable. It introduced fans to lesser-known artists and genres, offering a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the host nation. Even those who had dismissed the official World Cup song as a fleeting trend found themselves captivated by *Dai Dai*, which managed to balance accessibility with artistic merit. As Pougatch humorously remarked, the event “casts Dai Dai in a more forgiving light,” suggesting that the song’s simplicity might just be its strength in a year where musical diversity has become a double-edged sword.

In the end, the opening ceremony succeeded in its mission to entertain and educate. While it may not have matched the grandeur of past events, it offered a fresh, vibrant take on the World Cup’s global identity. The inclusion of local talent, coupled with the strategic use of international stars, created a memorable experience that showcased Mexico’s musical heritage and the evolving nature of the tournament. For many, it was a welcome departure from the predictability of previous years, proving that even the most routine events can find new life with the right blend of creativity and cultural pride.

The final act, featuring Shakira and Burna Boy, left the audience in awe. Their performance not only highlighted the official song but also demonstrated the power of music to unite and inspire. As the ceremony wrapped up swiftly, it became clear that the opening night had delivered more than just a spectacle—it had sparked conversations about the future of the World Cup’s cultural narrative. In a year where musical diversity is both celebrated and scrutinized, Mexico’s approach proved that innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously.