The wait is finally over. On Thursday, the world's attention turned to Mexico City's stadium for the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Amid vibrant Latin rhythms and a magnificent celebration of culture, an extraordinary common thread emerged throughout the global spectacle: Lebanon.

From internationally renowned celebrities with Lebanese roots to the top leadership of world football, the Lebanese presence became the invisible thread linking the ceremony's defining moments.

Salma Hayek at the opening (Social Media)

Salma Hayek: Cultural Ambassador with Roots from Baabdat

Just before the opening match kicked off, world-famous actress Salma Hayek, whose Lebanese roots trace back to the town of Baabdat, stole the spotlight as she welcomed the world.

Standing at the center of the field as a cultural ambassador, Hayek addressed the global audience on behalf of the country where she was born, saying: "The World Cup returns to this land... We welcome the world as we receive the flags of the 48 nations."

Shakira at the opening ceremony (Social Media)

Shakira: Daughter of Zahle Returns to Rule the World Cup

No Latin celebration would have been complete without another international voice carrying Lebanese blood.

Colombian superstar Shakira, whose roots go back to the city of Zahle, returned to headline yet another World Cup opening ceremony. She once again captured the spotlight, outshining fellow performers J Balvin and Danny Ocean with her rendition of the official event song, Dai Dai, alongside Burna Boy.

FIFA President: A New Political Tone

On the VIP platform, seated alongside Salma Hayek, was FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The irony did not go unnoticed. Infantino's ties to Lebanon extend beyond his marriage to Lebanese Lina Al-Ashkar; in February 2026, he officially became a Lebanese citizen after receiving his Lebanese passport.

The tournament also marked a noticeable shift in Infantino's rhetoric. After presenting himself as an "advocate for the oppressed" during the Qatar World Cup and being hailed by Donald Trump as the "King of Football," he appeared markedly more restrained in Mexico.

Faced with the political and administrative realities imposed by the American government, FIFA seemed to return to a more pragmatic stance, with Infantino emphasizing that the organization remains purely sports-oriented and has only limited influence over immigration and security policies.