{"id":12214,"date":"2026-06-04T18:01:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T18:01:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/siliconvalleymovingpost.com\/?p=12214"},"modified":"2026-06-04T18:01:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T18:01:51","slug":"trio-of-star-studded-world-cup-opening-ceremonies-in-us-canada-and-mexico-aim-to-showcase-unity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/siliconvalleymovingpost.com\/?p=12214","title":{"rendered":"Trio of star-studded World Cup opening ceremonies in US, Canada and Mexico aim to showcase unity"},"content":{"rendered":"

By COLLEEN BARRY<\/strong><\/p>\n

MILAN (AP) \u2014 The World Cup will feature an unprecedented trio of star-studded opening ceremonies in the host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico, created by the Italian producer behind the opening ceremony for this year\u2019s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.<\/p>

Read more California governor\u2019s race: Does Tom Steyer still have a path to the November runoff?<\/a><\/p>\n

Marco Balich, fresh off the Olympics opening ceremony, which included a parade of athletes spread across four venues, said he was up to the challenge of producing three shows in three cities, with teams numbering 260 to 300 people in each city.<\/p>\n

The ceremonies\u2019 unifying theme will be \u201cthe celebration of sports, the passion for soccer, symbolized by the cup itself,\u201d Balich said. \u201cThe idea is to narrate with three points of view and languages,\u201d using design aesthetics representative of each culture.<\/p>\n

In Canada, a mosaic will represent its multicultural identity. Mexico\u2019s motif will be the traditional paper cutouts called papel picado, while the United States will have \u201ca super shiny, glowing cup,\u201d said Balich, who also produced the opening ceremony for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.<\/p>\n

Balich called it a \u201cvery good sign\u201d that Canada, Mexico and the U.S. were working together to host \u201ca peaceful World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s very important that we stress the fact that the three nations are working together to host a very important and relevant championship, especially in this moment where there is so much controversy on the political side,\u2019\u2019 said Balich, founder of Balich Wonder Studios. \u201cBut the people are people, and they will get together and enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each ceremony will feature top artistic performances that tap into the national identity, but Balich said spectators shouldn\u2019t expect a Super Bowl-style halftime extravaganza. Instead, the ceremonies will combine welcoming speeches, a parade of flags, the presentation of the match ball and about 30 minutes of musical entertainment.<\/p>

\n<\/div>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a celebration of football, FIFA and the fact that, thanks to soccer, people get together in peace and harmony,\u201d Balich said.<\/p>

Read more House poised to pass Ukraine aid over the objections of Republican leaders<\/a><\/p>\n