World Cup kicks off in Mexico City

The World Cup opening ceremony began at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, marking the countdown to the opening group game between Mexico and South Africa .

Latin music and dance numbers gravitated around a massive model of the World Cup trophy in the center of the pitch, ahead of 104 matches over the next 39 days, building to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

In the highlight of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed "Dai Dai" — an Italian slang term meaning "come on" or "give it your all" — the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.

Mexico vs South Africa is the one and only fixture taking place on opening day, one arguably rare example of a World Cup tradition that has endured for the first ever competition involving 48 teams.

Police were out in force in the Mexican capital, not least around the outdoor viewing area in the city center, where there were reports of scuffles as people tried to funnel into the crowded site in the run-up to the game.

The teams came onto the pitch to cheers from the sellout crowd almost an hour before kickoff was scheduled.

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