All eyes are now set on the opening of the FIFA World Cup, the greatest sporting extravaganza on earth. It kicks off on Friday at 3:30 a.m. Bangladesh time at Mexico City Stadium, with the hosts facing South Africa 90 minutes after the opening gala.
This year's World Cup comes with several unique features. It is the largest ever, featuring 48 teams instead of the previous 32. They will play 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The three interconnected opening ceremonies in the host countries will be built around a shared theme intended to unite the host nations while highlighting each country's culture, identity and creative talent. These events are being produced by Marco Balich, the creative director behind several Olympic opening ceremonies. Canada's presentation will focus on its cultural mosaic, Mexico's on the traditional art of papel picado, while the United States will feature a dazzling, glowing representation of the World Cup trophy.
One of the most anticipated attractions is the presence of Colombian pop star Shakira at the opening ceremony in Mexico. She will perform her official song for the 2026 World Cup, Dai Dai"an Italian phrase meaning "let's go" or "come on." Shakira has a legendary history with the FIFA World Cup, having performed at three previous tournaments. In 2010, she created a worldwide sensation, including in Bangladesh, with her song Waka Waka, which she performed in South Africa.
Other artists featured on the Official FIFA World Cup Album are also expected to perform, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Maná. South African singer-songwriter Tyla is also expected to appear.
For football fans in Bangladesh, as for billions across the globe, the World Cup is more than a sporting event. More precisely, it is a celebration of passion, identity, and dreams. In Bangladesh, where football enjoys a unique and enduring popularity, the World Cup creates an atmosphere unlike any other sporting occasion.
Every four years, Bangladeshi streets, rooftops and marketplaces transform into colourful displays of international football allegiance. Giant flags of Brazil and Argentina flutter side by side, while supporters of Germany, France, Spain, England and others proudly showcase their loyalties. Friendly debates among fans become commonplace and tea stalls turn into hubs of football discussion.
In Bangladesh, passionate supporters of Brazil and Argentina are particularly conspicuous. Brazil's rich history, marked by five World Cup titles and a tradition of dazzling football, continues to attract generations of Bangladeshi youth. Argentina, meanwhile, has seen its popularity soar even further in recent years, especially after its triumph in the last World Cup and the enduring appeal of football icons associated with the nation.
Bangladesh may not be represented on the field, but emotionally, millions of its people are deeply interested in the fortunes of teams thousands of miles away.
Let us all enjoy the largest sporting event in the world.
