World Cup Kicks Off with "Payaso de rodeo" and "No rompas más" at Mexico City's FIFA Fan Festival
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The FIFA Fan Festival in Mexico City's Zócalo celebrated the 2026 World Cup opening with music, dancing, and fans from around the globe.
- Attendees enjoyed performances by artists like Lila Downs, Maná, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules, and Shakira, alongside the Mexican national anthem sung by Alejandro Fernández.
- Despite a threat of rain, the atmosphere remained festive with fans wearing team jerseys, face paint, and waving flags, creating a vibrant open-air stadium.
Mexico City's Zócalo transformed into a vibrant hub for the 2026 World Cup opening, drawing a massive crowd eager to celebrate the tournament's start. Even with the possibility of rain, the atmosphere buzzed with energy as fans from diverse nationalities gathered in the heart of the capital.
Oye mi amor
The Plaza de la Constitución became an expansive open-air stadium, filled with green jerseys, hats, and painted faces. As screens broadcast the opening ceremonies, cheers and spontaneous renditions of "Cielito lindo" echoed through the square. The wait for the matches was lightened by popular songs like "Payaso de rodeo" and "No rompas más," which turned parts of the plaza into impromptu dance floors.
Fans from countries including Colombia, Germany, South Africa, Bolivia, Argentina, Morocco, and the United States mingled with Mexican supporters. The celebration intensified with performances by Mexican artists, including Lila Downs, Maná, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Belinda, and Los Ángeles Azules, whose music fueled the festive mood and prompted hundreds of flags to wave. Shakira's performance of "Dai Dai" further electrified the crowd, underscoring her strong connection with Latin American audiences and World Cup events.
Partidazo
The mood shifted to solemnity as Alejandro Fernández performed the Mexican national anthem, with thousands placing their hands on their chests and recording the moment on their phones. The festival successfully blended the excitement of football with a rich display of Mexican culture and international camaraderie.
Dai Dai
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.