2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony Lacks Grandeur

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the first tournament jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, opened with a ceremony that fell short of expectations. The event featured performances from artists such as Mexican singer Lila Downs, who welcomed the audience at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

The ceremony included traditional Aztec dancers and a performance by the Mexican pop-rock band Maná. However, the spectacle lasted only 15 minutes, significantly shorter than the anticipated half-hour.

Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy performed the official anthem, bringing an African flavor to the event. Despite a lineup of notable Latin and international stars, the performances felt more like a concert than a cultural narrative.

The Canadian segment, which took place on a Friday, included indigenous dancers and a performance by Alessa Cara, but also suffered from technical glitches. Overall, the ceremony struggled to recreate the magic of previous World Cup openings.