Jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, the expanded 48-team World Cup will run for nearly six weeks, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19. FIFA projects the tournament will generate a record $13 billion in revenue.
The opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca featured performances by Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy, who entertained spectators with “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem before kickoff.
The start of on-field action comes amid controversy surrounding the event. FIFA has faced criticism over ticket prices, with some packages reportedly costing more than $30,000. Questions have also been raised over immigration restrictions in the United States that have affected certain officials and supporters.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organisation’s handling of the event. He argued that ticket pricing remained competitive compared to major American sporting events and noted that lower-cost tickets had been made available.
Infantino also addressed concerns over visa issues that have affected several participants, including Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not officiate at the tournament.
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia,” Infantino said. “We work on everything and try to solve every issue we can.”
European football governing body UEFA subsequently announced that Artan had been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August.
The FIFA chief further highlighted Iran’s participation in the tournament despite ongoing regional tensions, describing it as evidence of football’s ability to unite nations during difficult circumstances.
Infantino also praised US President Donald Trump for his support of the event, saying the tournament would have been difficult to organise without his involvement. Trump has confirmed that he intends to attend some World Cup matches.
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the challenge his team faces in the opening match, with more than 80,000 Mexican supporters expected to create a hostile atmosphere at Estadio Azteca.
“They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing, but we have to focus on our game,” Broos said.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre expressed confidence that his side could break its poor record in World Cup opening matches, having never won any of its previous seven tournament openers.
Elsewhere, South Korea and the Czech Republic are scheduled to play the second match of the tournament in Guadalajara.
Spain, France and England enter the competition among the favourites for the title, while defending champions Argentina will once again look to veteran captain Lionel Messi to lead their campaign.
Security measures have been heightened around the opening venue following demonstrations by groups demanding justice for missing persons in Mexico. Authorities said peaceful protests would be allowed, although access to the stadium would remain restricted to ticket holders.
With football’s biggest spectacle now underway, fans around the world will turn their attention to a tournament expected to set new records both on and off the pitch.
