FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: Fireworks, red cards and roaring fans

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico City with performances by Shakira and Burna Boy, drawing large crowds to Estadio Azteca. While the stadium atmosphere was festive, chaotic scenes were reported at the nearby fan zone due to crowd control issues.
Why it matters
Highlights the logistical and security challenges of hosting major global sporting events, balancing fan engagement with public safety.
Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy have kicked off the FIFA World Cup 2026 with electric performances at Mexico City s Estadio Azteca ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa .
The report provides a balanced account of both the celebratory aspects of the event and the logistical difficulties encountered by fans.
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