At the 2026 World Cup opening, Shakira performed with Burna Boy. Pop Mart's Labubu debuted as the only Chinese IP, a milestone for original Chinese cultural IP.
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The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off on Thursday, with global superstar Shakira headlining a dazzling opening ceremony to launch the historic North American tournament. Marked as the biggest World Cup in history, the quadrennial football extravaganza spans venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico, drawing tens of thousands of passionate fans from all over the world to witness the elite sporting event.
The opening fixture delivered a nostalgic rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, where Mexico secured a solid 2-0 victory over South Africa at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, officially firing up the blockbuster tournament. Long before the first referee’s whistle blew, the grand opening ceremony had already captivated global audiences with a star-studded musical feast and stunning stage visuals.
Leading the spectacular show, Colombian icon Shakira teamed up with Nigerian singer Burna Boy to perform Dai Dai, the official theme song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sporting a striking neon yellow bodysuit paired with a white miniskirt, Shakira returned to the World Cup stage once again, 16 years after singing the legendary 2010 World Cup official anthem.
She delivered a high-energy performance with her signature hip-shaking dance moves, accompanied by a traditional Mexican mariachi band and hundreds of colorful backup dancers. A gigantic golden replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy dramatically emerged from the center of the field stage, complemented by waves of performers in vibrant costumes, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle that sent thousands of in-stadium fans into a frenzy.
The star-packed opening lineup also featured performances by renowned global music artists, including Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana and Tyla. All featured tracks on the first-ever official FIFA World Cup studio album, bringing diverse musical styles and cross-cultural charm to the global sporting gala.
Beyond the star-studded musical performances, the ceremony witnessed a milestone moment for Chinese original IP. Leading trendy toy brand Pop Mart made a stunning surprise appearance with its blockbuster Labubu figurines as special guest icons of the 2026 World Cup. Two jersey-clad Labubu characters made their debut on the world-class sports stage, presenting a cute and enthusiastic football fan image.
The adorable Labubu figures instantly grabbed the spotlight of the entire stadium, becoming a unique highlight of the opening ceremony. This marks a significant breakthrough for Chinese original cultural IP, leaving a brilliant cultural mark on one of the world’s most influential global events and showcasing the international appeal of China’s trendy cultural creativity.
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Editor: Crystal H
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