The wait was finally over, and the world’s eyes turned Thursday to the Mexico City stadium to watch the opening ceremony of the tournament 2026 FIFA World Cup. But amidst the loud Latin rhythms and dazzling cultural celebration, there was an extraordinary common denominator in the global scene: “Lebanon.” From the first-class stars who carry Lebanese roots, to the highest hierarchy in the leadership of world football, the Lebanese presence was the hidden thread that connected the most prominent moments of the opening.
Salma Hayek at the opening (Social Media)
Salma Hayek: Ambassador of culture and roots from Baabdat
Just before the opening match kicked off, the international actress was kidnapped Salma HayekWith Lebanese origins extending to the town of Baabdat, the lights are on to welcome the world. Hayek stood in the middle of the field as a cultural ambassador to speak on behalf of the nation in which she was born, saying: “The World Cup returns to this land… We welcome the whole world as we receive the flags of the 48 countries.”
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Shakira at the opening ceremony (Social Media)
Shakira: The daughter of Zahle returns to occupy the World Cup throne
The Latin celebration was not complete without an international voice carrying Lebanese blood as well. Colombian star Shakirawhose origins go back to the Lebanese city of Zahle, returned to headline another opening ceremony for the World Cup, stealing the spotlight from her colleagues J Balvin and Danny Ocean, by performing the official song of the event, Dai Dai, accompanied by the star Burna Boy.
FIFA President: A new political tone
At the VIP podium, next to Salma Hayek, was FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The most prominent irony here is Infantino’s close connection to Lebanon. He is not only married to the Lebanese woman, Lina Al-Ashqar, but in February 2026 he received his Lebanese passport to officially become a holder of Lebanese citizenship.
The tournament witnessed a radical change in Infantino’s tone. After positioning himself as a “representative of the oppressed” at the World Cup in Qatar and celebrating Donald Trump’s description of him as the “King of Football,” he appeared in Mexico with a more conservative tone. The clash with the political and administrative requirements of the princely government brought FIFA back to reality, with Infantino confirming that his organization was purely sporting with little influence on immigration and security policies.
