Ranking: Which is the best World Cup opening ceremony ever?

Ranking: Which is the best World Cup opening ceremony ever?

Sospeter Itolondo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:16 PM

Every football fan in the world is eagerly waiting for the World Cup to start within two weeks. One special occasion that excites the fans is the opening ceremony, filled with colour and joyous vibes. Which is the best World Cup opening ceremony ever?

World Cup ceremony
Ranking: Which is the best World Cup opening ceremony ever? Photo: Andreswd (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

World Cup opening ceremonies are usually marked by performances from artists, dancers, gymnastic athletes and many others. Famous artists are usually invited to headline the ceremony, with the highlight being the official World Cup song being sung. Here are some of the best World Cup performances of all time.

The best World Cup opening ceremonies ever

The World Cup is a special competition for the players and fans. The opening ceremony, where artists from all walks of life entertain in pomp and colour, makes the World Cup special. Here are some of the best World Cup opening ceremonies so far:

5. Spain 1982

The ceremony had more than 100,000 attendees, which is massive. It was almost a theatrical performance with children who were the dancers running towards the centre of the pitch, forming a dove-like appearance which imitated Pablo Picasso's dove of peace. Another child, a boy, later comes up and releases a real dove that represents peace.

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best World Cup opening ceremony ever in the Arab world
Italy wins the final of the World Cup against Germany in front of 90,000 spectators at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on 11 July 1982. Photo Picture Alliance
Source: Getty Images

4. France 1998

France's opening ceremony was sensational with the colourful clown costumes, the flower-like caricatures, the insect costumes, and the large balls with flying balloons. The Japanese percussionists and the dancers with the lights made it even more entertaining.

best World Cup opening ceremony ever in Africa
France player Frank Leboeuf holds the Trophy aloft after their 3-0 win over Brazil after the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

3. USA 1994

From the colourful dancers who were as beautiful as peacocks to the various flags of different colours that doned the arena made, the world cup was special. What made the opening ceremony special was how every country participating had its culture represented, from Brazil to Germany to Argentina.

best World Cup performances of all time
Brazil goalkeeper Taffarel celebrates after Roberto Baggio of Italy had missed his penalty to decide the FIFA World Cup Final 1994. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

2. South Africa 2010

From the large beetle dribbling the Jabulani, the official ball for the 2010 World Cup, to the South African traditional chants and all the colours, 2010 was one to behold. The 2021 World Cup was special for so many people Worldwide. The field was covered by a beautiful pattern apart from its traditional green, making it even more beautiful. It is the best World Cup opening ceremony ever in Africa so far.

best World Cup opening ceremony ever in Africa
Diego Maradona, head coach of Argentina, celebrates a goal with teammates during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

1. Germany 2006

The slow unearthing of the red carpet, the traditionally clad dancers, the children's choir, and the little boy on a bicycle following the little girl running with a flower in hand; are what made the 2006 World Cup opening ceremony so special. It was filled with cultural flair as more than 150 former World Cup winners, including Pele, walked onto the pith joining the dancers. It was almost like a theatrical play. It is thought to be the best World Cup opening ceremony ever.

The best World Cup opening ceremonies ever
Tunisia fans build up the atmosphere before the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 against Ukraine played at the Olympic Stadium on June 23, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

World Cup hosts since 1930

The tournament has had 19 different hosts since its inception. Here are the countries that have hosted the tournament over the years:

Year

Hosts

2022

Qatar

2018

Russia

2014

Brazil

2010

South Africa

2006

Germany

2002

Japan

1998

France

1994

United States

1990

Italy

1986

Mexico

1982

Spain

1978

Argentina

1974

West Germany

1970

Mexico

1966

England

1962

Chile

1958

Sweden

1954

Switzerland

1950

Brazil

1946

Cancelled due to WWII

1942

Cancelled due to WWII

1938

France

1934

Italy

1930

Uruguay

Who has the highest appearance in World Cup history?

Lothar Matthaus has the record for the most World Cup appearances ever. He has played 25 games in over five tournament years. He is closely followed by fellow German international Miroslav Klose, who had one less appearance.

best World Cup opening ceremony ever in Africa
TV Expert Lothar Matthäus looks on before the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and Hertha BSC at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on November 20, 2021 in Berlin. Photo: Martin Rose
Source: Getty Images

What is the biggest defeat in World Cup history?

Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1 in the 1982 World Cup in Spain, setting the record. This is also one of the biggest defeats in world football.

In which stadium will the opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup 2022 be held?

The 2022 tournament will have its opening ceremony at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. It is the first tournament to be held in an Arab nation. Its opening ceremony will automatically be the best World Cup opening ceremony ever in the Arab world.

Has Mexico ever won the World Cup?

Despite qualifying for the tournament more than 17 times, unfortunately, Mexico has never won a World Cup trophy. One thing that sets Mexico apart from most countries is that they were one of the countries at the inaugural tournament back in 1930.

The Germany 2006 tournament takes the crown as the best World Cup opening ceremony ever. The World Cup is a special occasion that unites billions of people worldwide. The opening ceremonies are usually highlighted with the culture of the host nation. Everyone is eager to see how the Qatar people will flair in this sector.

READ ALSO: Best football chants: A list of the most interesting football chants in the game's history

Sportsbrief.com also published a list of the most interesting football chants in the game's history. Every football game is usually filled with chants to praise their players or raise their morale. They also use chants to demoralise the rival teams' players. What are the best football chants? Is it your favourite team's chant? Read more here!

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Sospeter Itolondo
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