The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup opened in the early hours of Friday Hong Kong time, with the tournament jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
For the first time, opening ceremonies are being staged across two days in the three host countries. Mexico City hosted the first ceremony, which began approximately 90 minutes before the opening match, at around 1:30 a.m. Hong Kong time. Canada and the US are set to hold their respective opening ceremonies on June 12.
Colombian pop superstar Shakira performed the official theme song of the tournament during the Mexico City ceremony. The event showcased Mexico's traditional papel picado paper-cutting art, creating a festive atmosphere ahead of kickoff.
The opening match took place at 3:00 p.m. local time on June 11 in Mexico City (3:00 a.m. Hong Kong time on June 12), with hosts Mexico facing South Africa.
Chinese elements featured at the World Cup
As the World Cup gets underway, Chinese participation is drawing attention despite the national team not being among the competing nations.
Chinese referees Ma Ning, Fu Ming and Zhou Fei were selected for the tournament's official referee roster, serving respectively as a referee, video assistant referee (VAR) and assistant referee. The trio departed for the US in late May to take part in FIFA's specialized pre-tournament training program.
In addition, six football-loving teenagers from Inner Mongolia were chosen to serve as flag bearers during the opening match.
Beyond the pitch, Chinese companies have become regular members of the World Cup's core sponsorship ecosystem. Chinese businesses involved in this year's tournament span multiple sectors, including home appliances, dairy products and high technology.
The tournament has been described as the first "AI World Cup." From VAR-related technologies deployed at the official video operation centers to AI-powered football solutions designed to enhance tournament services, Chinese technology has become increasingly visible throughout the competition.
Analysts say Chinese companies are helping provide the technological foundation supporting the global sporting spectacle.
Chinese manufacturing is also playing a prominent role. Products made in Yiwu, China's renowned hub for small commodities, continue to dominate the World Cup merchandise market.
According to estimates from the Yiwu sports and fitness products industry association, products manufactured in Yiwu accounted for nearly 70 percent of the merchandise market during the previous World Cup in Qatar.
The trend remains strong this year. Data from Yiwu Customs show that exports of sporting goods and equipment from the city reached RMB 2.83 billion in the first quarter, up 12 percent year on year. Veteran merchants estimate that World Cup-related orders could increase by 20 to 30 percent compared with previous tournaments.
China's intangible cultural heritage is also making its World Cup debut on a larger scale.
Traditional crafts including Yi embroidery, Zhuang brocade and handwoven textile products have been incorporated into the tournament's officially licensed merchandise system for the first time, drawing on their rich cultural heritage and aesthetic value.
Products such as Zhuang brocade footballs, Yi-embroidered sun hats and boxwood-carved figurines combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sports culture and modern design. Developed in line with the tournament's visual standards, these items have been transformed into fashionable collectibles and practical consumer products popular among younger audiences.
The World Cup-exclusive heritage-themed products are expected to showcase Chinese culture on the global stage and serve as cultural bridges promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
Like a prism, football reflects China's industrial upgrading, growing cultural confidence and expanding international influence. Through multiple forms of participation, China is engaging more deeply with the world's premier sporting events.
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