The main star of the day was Shakira, who reaffirmed her status as the ultimate figure in music and soccer by performing "Dai Dai", the tournament's official theme, alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy. With this performance, the Colombian star aimed to recreate the same impact she achieved with the iconic "Waka Waka" in 2010.
For Shakira, a good World Cup song "needs rhythm" and should work as an anthem that people want to sing at the top of their lungs. With this opening, the Barranquilla native sets a historical record of appearances, having been present at the 2006 Germany, 2010 South Africa, and 2014 Brazil editions. Her involvement in this edition will be extended, as she will also headline the first halftime show of a final on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The ceremony was also a profound tribute to Mexican identity. Singer-songwriter Lila Downs welcomed the world in Spanish, English, and indigenous languages such as Mixtec and Nahuatl, wearing a traditional huipil and celebrating the pride of a nation of diversity. The stage was filled with prehispanic dancers moving their feathered headdresses to the rhythm of the band Maná, who electrified the thousands of attendees with their classic "Oye mi amor."
The display of talent continued with the participation of J Balvin, accompanied by guest Ryan Castro, and the rhythm of Los Ángeles Azules, who performed "Por Ella" with Belinda. The elegance of tenor Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by actress Salma Hayek completed a gala that left fans ecstatic before the initial whistle of the match between Mexico and South Africa. This opening serves as a cultural bridge: while international stars connect with the global audience, the roots of Downs and Maná anchor the tournament in the essence of their ancestral lands.