Celebrities Converge at World Cup Opener in Mexico City

The World Cup opener at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium, featured numerous prominent figures from sports and entertainment.

Mexican actress Salma Hayek played a central role as a cultural ambassador, delivering an opening speech to an audience of 80,000 fans. Hayek greeted the crowd with "¡Viva México!" and expressed the nation's honor in hosting the initial match of the tournament. She also appeared alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and had the opportunity to hold the World Cup trophy.

Among the other celebrities in attendance were Mexican world boxing champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and his wife Fernanda Gómez, who were spotted in the VIP stands wearing the Mexican national team jersey. Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho was also present as a special guest of FIFA, mingling with other football icons such as Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, and Roberto Baggio.

German World Cup champion Thomas Müller (2014) and legendary German manager Jürgen Klopp were seen enjoying the event. Isael Gutiérrez, manager of Grupo Firme, was also in attendance. U.S. pop star Sabrina Carpenter generated buzz with reports of her being spotted in the streets of Mexico City; however, social media accounts later suggested this sighting might have been an influencer's prank involving someone resembling her.

Notably absent from the stadium were Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada. Both officials chose to watch the match alongside residents at public fan festivals outside Estadio Azteca, a decision that reportedly broke with tradition and became a subject of political discussion. Conversely, Nuevo León's Governor Samuel García, accompanied by his wife Mariana Rodríguez, and México state Governor Alfredo del Mazo were among the politicians who attended the opening game.

According to Mexico News Daily, the opening match saw "El Tri" defeat South Africa.