Mexican media celebrate World Cup start, international press critical of organization

Co-host Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win against South Africa, sparking celebrations in Mexican media. El Universal described the victory as "moderate" but successful, highlighting pop star Shakira's performance of the official song "Dai Dai" as a showstopper. The newspaper noted her hips "don't lie" as she performed with a dance troupe.

“

The Mexican national team starts the 2026 World Cup with a moderate victory against South Africa. (...) The legendary Shakira stole the show, who with her performance of Dai Dai, the official World Cup song, together with a dance group, once again proved that her hips do not lie.

Mexican newspaper Esto focused on the team's confidence heading into the next match, stating they started with three points. Sports portal Mediotiempo also praised the team's "right foot" start and the "real party atmosphere" in the stadium during the opening ceremony.

“

The Mexican national team started on the right foot in the 2026 World Cup. (...) There was a real party atmosphere in the stadium during the opening of the tournament.

International coverage, however, offered a more critical view. South African outlet Times Live reported that the Bafana Bafana team appeared "intimidated" by the grand stage and occasion, suffering two red cards in a disjointed match. Spanish sports daily Marca offered a brief, visual description of Mexico's win.

“

The Bafana concede two red cards and lose to Mexico in a disjointed World Cup opener. The South Africans find no rhythm and appear intimidated by the big stage and the occasion.

The opening ceremony itself featured Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli, and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek. Shakira performed "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy, aiming for another World Cup hit after her 2010 success with "Waka Waka." Lila Downs welcomed attendees in Spanish, English, and Indigenous languages, expressing pride in Mexico's diversity and heritage.

“

A good World Cup song, needs to definitely have rhythm. It has to be rhythmic. It has to make people want to dance. And it has to be an anthem as well. It has to make people want to sing along in unison, sing out loud at the top of their lungs.