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World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, local performers and vibrant fans
Key takeaways
- Thousands of fans arrived at the legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City with a real sense of excitement and anticipation to watch the World Cup on their home turf for the first time in 40 years.
- It's been a complicated build-up, from the renovations of the airport and Azteca stadium, to protests around the event, and the cartel violence seen in Mexico only months ago.
- On Thursday, those issues appeared to have been pushed to the side as football takes centre stage in Mexico.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Will Grant,BBC's Mexico, Central America and Cuba correspondent,Kwasi Gyamfi Asieduand Nardine Saad Reuters The 2026 World Cup has begun in Mexico City with an opening ceremony filled with vibrant colour, local culture and a performance by global music star Shakira.
Thousands of fans arrived at the legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City with a real sense of excitement and anticipation to watch the World Cup on their home turf for the first time in 40 years.
It's been a complicated build-up, from the renovations of the airport and Azteca stadium, to protests around the event, and the cartel violence seen in Mexico only months ago.
Article preview — originally published by BBC News. Full story at the source.
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