The World Cup opening ceremony began on Thursday at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, marking the countdown to the opening group game between Mexico and South Africa.
Ahead of 104 matches over the next 39 days, leading up to the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19, Latin music and dance tunes played around a giant model of the World Cup trophy in the center of the pitch.
In highlights of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” – an Italian slang word meaning “come on” or “give it your all” – causing the crowd to scream loudly.
Who’s playing on opening night?
Mexico vs. South Africa is the only match taking place on the opening day, a rare example of a World Cup tradition being maintained for the first competition to involve 48 teams.
Police were deployed in the Mexican capital, at least around the outdoor viewing area in the city center, where there were reports of scuffles as people tried to enter the crowded venue before the game.
About an hour before kickoff was scheduled, the teams took the field to the cheers of the sold-out crowd.
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Edited by: Shawn Sinico