After a 40-year wait, Mexicans finally experienced a World Cup on home soil, and the palpable pride in hosting the tournament for the third time was evident throughout the city. Ticket holders were determined to witness the momentous occasion. Despite road closures and protests from teachers and families of the 130,000 missing persons complicating travel, the Azteca Stadium was at full capacity 90 minutes prior to kick-off, allaying FIFA’s concerns about possible delays.
Many supporters faced significant challenges, trekking several miles along closed highways from 8 a.m. to arrive well before the first whistle. The sight of countless sombreros soaring into the sky just before kick-off created a stirring atmosphere, and the first Mexican Wave, which rippled through the stadium in the 17th minute, was enough to sway even the most skeptical World Cup observers.
Shakira Takes the Stage
While over £7 million from the charity proceeds of her 2010 hit, Waka Waka, remains unaccounted for, Shakira showed no signs of resentment. The Colombian superstar returned to headline the opening ceremony, outshining fellow artists Burna Boy, J Balvin, and Danny Ocean with her performance of the official tournament song, Dai Dai, although it remains to be seen if this new track can match the legacy of her iconic World Cup anthem.
Waka Waka became a cultural phenomenon, achieving No. 1 status in 15 countries and racking up over 4.4 billion YouTube views and 1 billion downloads on Spotify. Notably, this match mirrored the opening game of the 2010 tournament, where South Africa faced Mexico in a 1-1 draw at Soccer City, Johannesburg. Thankfully, few fans had brought their vuvuzelas from that event. Prior to kick-off, Andrea Bocelli performed the World Cup anthem, DNA, while the lengthy procession of 48 flag bearers onto the pitch left a lasting impression, signaling that endurance would be essential throughout this extensive World Cup marathon.
Gianni Infantino’s Shift in Tone
In the lead-up to the Qatar World Cup four years ago, Gianni Infantino positioned himself as a champion for the marginalized and oppressed. Even at the draw in Washington six months ago, he basked in Donald Trump’s label of him as the “King of Football.” However, Infantino has adopted a markedly different demeanor during this tournament.
The political and administrative hurdles posed by the U.S. government have been a humbling experience for FIFA, with Infantino emphasizing that FIFA is merely a sports organization with limited sway over significant issues like immigration and security policy. This marks a significant departure from his previous grandiose assertions, including attempts to create an alternative to the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mexico’s Ambitious Start
Mexico was fortunate to face a lackluster South Africa team that conceded a goal just nine minutes in, thanks to careless passing and inadequate goalkeeping. The hosts seized the opportunity and could potentially make a significant impact in the tournament. Unlike other teams, many players from Javier Aguirre’s squad benefited from a comprehensive five-week training camp prior to the tournament, showcasing their readiness from the outset.
Wingers Roberto Alvarado and goalscorer Julián Quiñones stood out with their threatening performances, and the hosts had ample chances to extend their lead during a dominant first half. Although South Korea and Czechia present tougher challenges in upcoming matches, Mexico’s promising start suggests they will not be easy opponents for England, should both teams progress from their respective groups.
Endurance Required for the Long Tournament
Even under relatively mild conditions, the opening match felt prolonged, likely setting a precedent for the rest of the tournament. FIFA’s enforced three-minute hydration breaks were implemented despite the temperature being only 22 degrees. Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaoli did not signal half-time until 55 minutes had elapsed, despite just four minutes of stoppage time being added.
It appears that all matches in this World Cup may extend beyond two hours, and games characterized by frequent stoppages and played in warmer conditions could stretch even longer.
