The passion for soccer has crossed borders and has united millions of fans around the world. Each edition of the fifa world cup He has written unforgettable chapters with teams that have lifted the trophy, such as Argentina, France, Spain and the only five-time champion of the tournament: Brazil.
The World Cup celebration not only lives on the field, but also transcends generations through music. Its opening ceremonies have become part of history, with shows and artists that have set the rhythm for the greatest football festival and have left songs that remain in the collective memory.
From the acclaimed song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)which became the success of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and still resonates in every edition of the FIFA World Cup, the ceremonies have given way to anthems such as Dai Daiwhich debuted at the inauguration of Mexico on June 11.
With the inauguration of the 2026 edition, which will be played in Mexico, the United States and Canada, the Mexico City Stadium – known as Estadio Azteca – became the only venue to host the opening match and, therefore, the opening ceremony on three occasions.
On the occasion of the opening ceremony of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, we take a tour of the inaugurations of the last five editions that have marked the recent history of the tournament, based on the historical records of Prensa Libre and the printed covers of this morning.
World Cup South Africa 2010
On June 11, 2010, South Africa made history by becoming the first African country to host a FIFA World Cup. The opening ceremony was held at Soccer City in Johannesburg, prior to the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.
Before the start of the match, the stadium became a stage for music, culture and African identity. More than 1,500 artists participated in a show full of color, drums and dance, which showed the diversity of the host country before millions of spectators.
The ceremony brought together artists such as Hugh Masekela, Thandiswa Mazwai and the Soweto Gospel Choir, in addition to an aerial performance by the South African Air Force that accompanied the celebration. The event reflected the pride of a continent that hosted the biggest celebration of world football for the first time.
A day before, the opening concert at the Orlando Stadium brought together international figures such as Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, Juanes and Shakira, who kicked off the World Cup celebration.
Cover of the Prensa Libre printout of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. (Photo Prensa Libre: Hemeroteca PL)
World Cup Brazil 2014
The 2014 FIFA World Cup began with a celebration full of music, color and Brazilian culture. The opening ceremony was held at the São Paulo Arena, prior to the opening match between Brazil and Croatia, which ended with victory for the host team.
Before the opening whistle, more than 660 dancers filled the stage with a performance inspired by the identity of Brazil. The artists wore costumes that represented everything from the texture of a soccer ball to elements of the country’s fauna and flora, while an electronic spherical structure opened to reveal the main stage.
The show featured Claudia Leitte, Jennifer López and Pitbull, who performed the official anthem of the tournament, “We Are One.” At the end of the presentation, the samba took the stage and the dancers continued the party that welcomed the World Cup held in Brazilian territory.
Cover of the Prensa Libre printout of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. (Photo Prensa Libre: Hemeroteca PL)
World Cup Russia 2018
On June 14, 2018, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia began with the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, where the host team won 5-0.
Half an hour before the meeting, the opening ceremony took place, a show that had a more musical than choreographic focus. The British singer Robbie Williams was one of the protagonists, accompanied by the renowned Russian soprano Aida Garifullina, who filled the stage with brilliance with her presentation of “Let Me Entertain You”.
The songs “Feel”, “Angels” and “Rock DJ” were part of the musical repertoire, while other notable moments were experienced on the field. Former Brazilian soccer player Ronaldo participated in the pre-match event and surprised by allowing the child who was accompanying him to take the opening kick.
In addition, Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, captain of the 2010 world champion team, was in charge of bringing the World Cup trophy onto the Luzhniki stadium lawn.
Cover of the Prensa Libre printout of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. (Photo Prensa Libre: Hemeroteca PL)
World Cup Qatar 2022
On November 20, 2022, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 began with the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha, where the South American team beat the host 2-0.
Before the meeting, the opening ceremony was held, a show that combined culture, music and messages of unity. The American actor Morgan Freeman and the young Qatari activist Ghanim Al-Muftah starred in one of the most notable moments by sharing a message about equality, respect and the importance of finding each other across differences.
Music was also a central part of the celebration with the participation of Jungkook, a member of BTS, and the Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi, who performed “Dreamers”, one of the official songs of the tournament.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the 32 participating teams, the countries that previously hosted the World Cup and the volunteers who made the organization of the championship possible.
Cover of the Prensa Libre printout of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. (Photo Prensa Libre: Hemeroteca PL)
World Cup 2026: three host countries
The 2026 FIFA World Cup began a new era by being the first edition organized by three host countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada. The celebration began in Mexican territory, where music and culture marked the beginning of this World Cup party.
Mexico brought together artists such as Maná, Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda, who were part of the celebration with performances of songs included in the official album of the tournament.
Subsequently, Canada opened its doors to the World Cup for the first time and presented a show inspired by their cultural identity and the diversity of their communities. Artists such as Alessia Cara, Nora Fatehi, Vegedream and Sanjoy participated in the ceremony, while Jessie Reyez and Elyanna closed the presentation with “Illuminate.”
Hours later, on June 12, The United States concluded the inauguration triple with a show dedicated to its history, its influence on music and entertainment. Future, Tyla, Lisa, Anitta and Rema were some of the artists in charge of bringing rhythm and energy to the celebration.
Cover of the Prensa Libre printout of the Mexico 2026 World Cup. (Photo Prensa Libre: Hemeroteca PL)