In pictures: World Cup kicks off in Mexico City with vibrant music spectacle
Co-host to play against South Africa as first of three opening ceremonies gets underway
Updated 9.06pm
The World Cup kicked off Thursday with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, launching a sprawling tournament of 48 teams that will last nearly six weeks.
The extravaganza hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada is the biggest World Cup in history, stretching until the final in New Jersey on July 19.
It is projected to generate a record-breaking $13 billion in total revenue.
A performer in traditional costume at the opening ceremony in Mexico City. Photo: AFPBut football’s world governing body FIFA has faced stinging criticism over the eye-watering costs of tickets while Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has seen a top referee, Iranian team officials and fans refused entry to the United States.
Golden balls and dancers light up with stadium in Mexico City as the opening ceremony gets underway. Photo: AFPSpeaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino launched a spirited defense of the organization of the tournament and brushed off criticism over visa issues.
Infantino insisted that tickets—which in some cases have topped $30,000 -- had been priced appropriately, citing a small number of $60 tickets that were made available in response to criticism.
The first of three World Cup opening ceremonies was held in Mexico City on Thursday ahead of the co-host's first match against South Africa. Photo: AFP“Let me just say that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases,” Infantino said.
“Our average price which is below 500 dollars is again the lowest of the American sports on average.”
Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony.
Colombian superstar Shakira performs during the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Mexico City. Photo: AFPDancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup trophy while fireworks went off in the historic 80,000-capacity stadium which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and has been renovated for this year's tournament.
In the highlight of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Burna Boy performed "Dai Dai", the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.
Andrea Bocelli and Ejae perform at the opening ceremony. Photo: AFPItalian operatic singer Andrea Bocelli duetted with South Korean-American singer and songwriter Ejae later in the ceremony.