Dai Dai wakes the Azteca as World Cup begins
AFP | Manama
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup roared to life Thursday evening at the legendary Estadio Azteca as Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy delivered a breathtaking opening ceremony performance that had 80,000 spectators on their feet from the first note.
STARS STEAL THE SHOW
The Colombian pop icon and Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem, igniting the historic stadium in a moment that will be replayed for years. Dancers swirled around a towering replica of the World Cup trophy as fireworks erupted overhead, painting the Mexico City sky in gold and green. J Balvin and legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli rounded out a star-studded lineup that built the atmosphere to fever pitch before kickoff.
While the stadium had a festive atmosphere, chaotic scenes unfolded in central Mexico City where thousands of fans pushed and shoved while trying to enter the official World Cup fan zone shortly before the 1800 GMT kickoff.
Access to the fan zone in Zocalo plaza was hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers from reaching the area.
“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” A city official shouted through a megaphone as he tried to control access to the venue where the opening game was to be shown on a giant screen. Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police while chanting in support of the Mexican team. “It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan. “There could have been better organization.”
The local government announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas.
President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone but cast doubt on her presence following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.
HISTORY MEETS FUTURE
The Azteca, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, has been extensively renovated for this edition—the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 nations across three co-host countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The 104-match extravaganza culminates in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
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