World Cup opens in Mexico with Shakira ceremony and street protests
The World Cup opened at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium with a ceremony headlined by Shakira. Outside the stadium protesters voiced opposition to the tournament's cost and recent rent rises tied to it. BBC reported attendance across the three host countries exceeded 96% of capacity.
BBC said 83,000 spectators watched the ceremony at the Azteca Stadium, where Shakira performed tracks tied to the three host countries. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum used her opening remarks to say "football is a common language that unites us". FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined U.S. and Canadian delegations at the event.
Outside the stadium, crowds raised placards against housing costs and tournament spending; police records cited 11 detentions. A BBC reporter wrote that "rents in some neighbourhoods are estimated to have risen 18% over six months". Some protesters also toppled player statues.
FIFA figures showed opening-week occupancy above 96%. In an economic impact note Oxford Economics estimated host-country GDP could see up to a 0.15 percentage point lift. Banxico said tourist flows could be supportive for the peso over the next three months. This is not investment advice.
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