* The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a ceremony that showcased Mexican culture, music and tradition at Mexico City Stadium, the first venue to host matches at three World Cups.
* The expanded 48-team competition, spanning three countries, 16 host cities and a record 104 matches, features leading title contenders including Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil, Portugal and England.
* Chinese companies and manufacturers are playing a significant role in the tournament's technology, merchandise and commercial operations despite China not qualifying for the event.
by sportswriters Cao Jianjie and Zhao Yan
MEXICO CITY, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The FIFA World Cup returned to Mexico City Stadium on Thursday with an opening ceremony rooted in local sound, color and memory.
Almost eight years after Canada, Mexico and the United States were awarded hosting rights, the expanded 48-team tournament began at a venue already woven into football folklore.
Formerly known as Estadio Azteca, the stadium hosted the World Cup finals won by Pele's Brazil in 1970 and Diego Maradona's Argentina in 1986. Renovated ahead of the tournament, it is now the first venue to stage matches at three different World Cups.
The extravaganza ushered in the biggest World Cup in history, a tournament spanning three countries, 16 host cities and a record 104 matches.
It featured contributions from Belinda, Burna Boy, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana and Shakira, bringing the sounds of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album to Mexico City Stadium.
There were also renditions of the Mexican and South African national anthems by Alejandro Fernandez and Tyla before World Cup ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault welcomed supporters to Mexico City.
Another centerpiece was the first live performance of DNA, the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem.
FIFA had announced that Andrea Bocelli and singer-songwriter EJAE would debut the song during the event, introducing an anthem intended to reflect the spirit of a tournament extending across North America.
The collaboration underscored the worldwide reach of football's biggest event.
Local traditions were also a prominent theme in the pre-match entertainment. FIFA said the creative design was inspired by papel picado, the decorative folk art known for its intricate cut-paper craftsmanship.
The concept reimagined the World Cup trophy through a distinctly Mexican lens while connecting the tournament's opening celebrations across the host nations.
Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony formed part of a broader creative vision intended to capture the character of each country.
Once the festivities concluded, attention shifted to the battle for football's most coveted prize. Argentina, France, Spain, Portugal and England are among the leading contenders for the title.
Defending champion Argentina arrives with a squad built around Lionel Messi, who is set to make a record sixth World Cup appearance.
Much of the spotlight will again focus on the 38-year-old, whose triumph in Qatar completed one of football's most celebrated careers.
Yet Argentina's strength extends far beyond its captain. Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Cristian Romero form the backbone of a side that has collected the World Cup, two Copas America and the Finalissima during one of the most successful periods in its history.
France also enters the tournament with high expectations. Kylian Mbappe has already scored 12 World Cup goals and sits within reach of Miroslav Klose's tournament record of 16.
Spain arrives as European champion with a young squad that has re-established itself among the world's elite teams.
Brazil also harbors expectations of a deep run after a series of underwhelming results in major tournaments. The five-time champion has not won the World Cup since 2002, but the arrival of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, widely regarded as one of football's finest man-managers, has raised hopes of a revival.
Portugal and England are also widely regarded as serious contenders. Portugal possesses one of the competition's strongest midfields, while England again turns to Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as it attempts to end a wait for a second World Cup title that stretches back to 1966.
The tournament is also expected to provide a stage for the next generation of stars. Spain winger Lamine Yamal, Portugal midfielder Joao Neves and Brazil forward Endrick are among the young players tipped to make an impact during the competition.
The scale of the event extends far beyond the pitch. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that a global television audience of six billion people was expected to follow the tournament.
China is expected to be among the largest television markets, while Chinese companies and products will also have a visible presence on and off the pitch.
Lenovo, FIFA's official technology partner, will play an important role in tournament operations, with artificial intelligence integrated into areas ranging from match analysis to fan engagement.
Hisense will also feature prominently through its longstanding partnership with FIFA and its involvement in display technology used across competition infrastructure.
China's influence is not limited to technology. Manufacturers in Yiwu have produced footballs, souvenirs and fan merchandise destined for markets around the world.
Traditional Huzhou writing brushes from Zhejiang province have also been selected for official World Cup cultural programs.
From technology infrastructure to consumer staples, Chinese businesses have become part of the commercial ecosystem surrounding football's showpiece event.
Those connections highlight China's growing presence in the global sports economy, even without a team competing on the pitch.
The road to the final on July 19 began at a stadium that has witnessed some of football's defining moments and the rise of some of its greatest legends.
On Thursday, Mexico City Stadium added another chapter to its storied World Cup history. ■
(Video reporters: Du Yanqin, Wu Meng, Lin Jianjie, Lin Wei, Ismael Peracaula, Andres Flores, Monsef Memari; video editors: Liu Yutian, Roger Lott, Liu Xiaorui, Luo Hui, Zhang Ning)
