The FIFA World Cup is finally upon us, with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa having concluded. So we begin another installment of the world’s greatest football tournament. It brings together the best countries from around the globe competing against each other. It delivers drama, passion, unpredictability, and memories to last a lifetime.

That is why it’s the most-watched sporting event on the globe. The 2022 Qatar World Cup garnered over 5.22 billion viewers across the entire tournament. While the games are thrilling, the opening and closing ceremonies are just as important to the entire spectacle. That’s why we decided to take a look back at the 3 most memorable FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies in history!

South Africa, 2010

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa seems to have become the measuring stick for all World Cups. From the spectacular golazos to the World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)”, it felt like the perfect tournament. So, it’s no wonder that we consider it one of the 3 most memorable FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies.

The World Cup may have been in South Africa, but the opening ceremony displayed the spirit and culture of the entire continent. The ceremony began with a three-hour concert with stars like Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas, but it was Shakira who made the crowd go wild. Her hit song, “Waka Waka“, which has become somewhat of an unofficial World Cup anthem, united the world. The actual opening ceremony before the inaugural match consisted of 1500+ performers, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Timothy Moloi, and Hugh Masekela.

France, 1998

It may have been nearly 30 years ago, but the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France is unforgettable. The French put on a massive show in the stadium Stade de France, creating a magic garden with choreographed flowers and insects. The stars of this opening ceremony were French artists Youssou N’Dour and Axelle Red. They sang the 1998 World Cup anthem, La Cour des Grands.

While this World Cup opening ceremony wasn’t particularly flashy, it was incredibly well-choreographed. It also managed to convey football’s most important message: unity and diversity above all else. No matter whether the players were Premier League stars or amateurs, everyone had something to contribute. Over 500 staff members and 700 volunteers helped bring this opening ceremony to life!

Brazil, 2014

By the time the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil rolled around, the opening ceremony had become just as essential to the success of the tournament as any part of it. That is why the Brazilians put their best foot forward with a colorful display of their Samba dancers and carnival performers. They also put on a show with stars Pitbull, J-Lo, and Claudia Leitte.

The stage for these three performers was a giant, so-called live ball that opened up to create a platform for them. The ball-stage was situated in the middle of the pitch, and they were surrounded by 500+ dancers. The entire performance made the Arena de São Paulo come alive, making it one of the 3 most memorable FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies in history!