Three performances, no parties: Is it time for Fifa to put World Cup opening ceremonies on the bench? (opens original article in a new tab)

FIFA faces criticism for its 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies, which were seen as commercially driven and lacking cultural coherence across three host nations.

• FIFA's 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, and the US were criticized for lacking cultural depth and coherence
• Performers included Shakira, Burna Boy, Katy Perry, and others, but events were seen as commercially driven and disjointed
• Critics suggest FIFA should either revamp the ceremonies as genuine cultural events or discontinue them