ITV viewers were left unimpressed by the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with many taking to social media to complain about the spectacle before the tournament had even got underway.
The curtain-raiser took place at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca ahead of the opening match between hosts Mexico and South Africa.
Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy headlined the event, performing the tournament's official song Dai Dai as dancers, fireworks and a giant replica World Cup trophy filled the stadium.
Despite the star-studded line-up, many viewers watching from home were far from impressed.
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Several football fans complained that the ceremony dragged on too long and admitted they had little interest in watching the entertainment before kick-off.
One viewer wrote on X: "As with every World Cup and Olympic opening/closing ceremony ever, about as entertaining as a f****** Eurovision Song Contest."
Another posted: "Switching over for the Channel 4 News, what time does the football actually kick-off at?"
A third said: "The World Cup opening ceremony is incredibly underwhelming. Lovely stuff."
Shakira and Burna Boy performed at the Opening Ceremony during the FIFA World Cup 2026
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Meanwhile, another viewer bluntly declared: "Opening ceremony of World Cup is a bit sh** innit."
"Is it me or was that the lamest opening ceremony of any world cup?" another critic asked.
Someone else penned: "Just switched it on, already switching it off."
Others directed their frustration at ITV's coverage rather than the ceremony itself.
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Viewers complained that the broadcaster failed to provide sufficient information about the performers appearing on stage.
One social media user wrote: "Great opening ceremony in Mexico for the World Cup but in typical style ITV have totally messed up the coverage. No commentary of the acts we are seeing. Hopeless."
Another asked: "So @itv not having any commentary to accompany the World Cup opening ceremony? Which is odd..."
A third added: "Are @itv not offering any commentary or explanation of what's going on at the opening ceremony?"
Some viewers also questioned why the names of performers were not displayed during the broadcast.
Despite the backlash, others praised the ceremony's atmosphere and star-studded entertainment
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However, not everyone was critical of the event.
One X user described the opening ceremony as "spectacular".
Another wrote: "The world needs more of such get togethers and zero wars!"
A third added: "So many negative comments... this is an exceptional performance."
The 2026 World Cup got underway in Mexico
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A number of viewers praised ITV's decision to allow the ceremony to unfold without presenters talking over the performances.
One social media user wrote: "Fair play to ITV just letting the opening ceremony play out as is, without any kind of sarky commentary over the top."
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was considerably more upbeat.
Shakira and Burna Boy received a warm reception from supporters packed into the 80,000-capacity Azteca Stadium, which has been renovated for the tournament and previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.
The ceremony also featured dancers, fireworks and performances from Mexican artists before the tournament officially got underway.
The 2026 World Cup is being hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada and will feature 48 teams competing across 104 matches before the final takes place in New Jersey on July 19.