Infantino's Rebrand and Long-Haul Games: Five Takeaways from World Cup Opener

AI Summary

The World Cup 2026 opener in Mexico showcased the country's enthusiasm for the tournament, with Shakira's performance and a strong start for the hosts.

World Cup Fever

Mexicans have waited 40 years to witness a World Cup in their own country and the pride felt from becoming the first nation to stage three tournaments has been easy to sense in the city all week.

Shakira Returns

Shakira clearly has no hard feelings as she returned to headline another World Cup opening ceremony and stole the show from fellow performers Burna Boy, J Balvin and Danny Ocean with her rendition of the official tournament song, Dai Dai.

Humble Gianni

On the eve of the Qatar World Cup four years ago, Gianni Infantino cast himself as an almost messianic representative of the underrepresented and oppressed, while even at the draw in Washington six months ago he revelled in Donald Trump’s description of him as the “King of Football”. But the Fifa president has projected a very different image at this tournament.

Hungry Hosts

Mexico may have been fortunate to kick off against a sloppy South Africa side, who gifted them a goal after only seven minutes with some careless passing and poor goalkeeping, but the hosts took full advantage and could make a real impact on the tournament.