World Cup 2026 opens in Mexico City with vibrant ceremony

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began Thursday at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marked by a grand opening ceremony celebrating Mexican culture and the tournament's global spirit. The festivities set the stage for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, held in an electric atmosphere despite ongoing protests in the capital.

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Prima parte a ceremoniei a pus accentul pe identitatea Mexicului, dar și pe ideea de unitate, într-un turneu care adună, pentru prima dată, 48 de naționale.

Estadio Azteca, a stadium with a rich World Cup history, transformed into a vibrant stage showcasing pre-Hispanic traditions, Latin music, and global football symbols. The ceremony commenced with an homage to Mexican heritage, featuring artists and dancers on a massive stage. Lila Downs officially opened the artistic segment, welcoming fans from around the world in Spanish and English.

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Atmosfera de pe Azteca a fost completată de fanii îmbrăcați în verde, mulți dintre ei purtând sombrero, costume de mariachi și trompete, transformând tribunele într-o mare de culoare și zgomot.

The first part of the ceremony emphasized Mexico's identity and the tournament's theme of unity, as it expands to include 48 national teams for the first time. The crowd, many dressed in traditional Mexican attire like sombreros and mariachi outfits, contributed to a colorful and noisy spectacle.

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Momentul său a combinat pop-ul latin, reggaetonul și influențele electronice, într-un număr gândit special pentru energia unui stadion aflat înaintea primului fluier al competiției.

Latin music stars took to the stage, including Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean performing "Partidazo," a song from the official tournament album, accompanied by dancers from Ballet Folklórico de México. The Mexican band Maná energized the audience with their hit "Oye Mi Amor," while Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules delivered a pop and cumbia fusion with "Por Ella," a song created for the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album. The ceremony also included an appearance by the viral Labubu characters, dressed as fluffy monsters, adding a unique, playful element to the proceedings.

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Belinda a apărut într-o ținută roz aprins, în timp ce membrii Los Ángeles Azules au purtat costume aurii, într-un moment care a continuat linia festivă și colorată a ceremoniei.