The reported lineup was designed to deliver global recognition and regional identity in equal measure. Shakira’s involvement brought established World Cup pedigree, while Burna Boy added a contemporary international presence.
The programme also reportedly included Danny Ocean, Belinda and Lila Downs, giving the ceremony a broad musical footprint before the football began.
That ambition was clear. The disagreement centred on whether the performances converted scale into atmosphere.
The report describes criticism arriving almost immediately, with some viewers questioning the tone and execution. One wrote, “What the hell is going on? #OpeningCeremony,” while another simply labelled the show “terrible”.
The opposing verdict was just as emphatic. A supporter called it “90 minutes of PURE FIRE before a ball is even kicked”, while another argued that a World Cup would not feel complete without Shakira.
That divide reflects the difficult brief facing any modern opening ceremony. It must satisfy supporters inside the stadium, television audiences across continents and fans who expect both spectacle and authenticity. A familiar star-studded lineup can raise expectations as quickly as it raises excitement.
Ceremonies create the first impression, but the opening match determines the lasting mood. The attention now shifts from the reported performances to Mexico versus South Africa, where the tournament’s sporting narrative begins.
The next storyline to watch is whether the football can unite an audience that the opening show sharply divided. If Mexico’s opener delivers intensity and drama, the debate over the ceremony may quickly become background noise.