Mexico launches historic 48-nation World Cup in Mexico City
via Business News2 min read
The 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match at the iconic Azteca Stadium. This 23rd edition of the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada until July 19, marks a significant change with an unprecedented format featuring 48 national teams and a record 104 matches. A 15-minute opening ceremony, held before the match, celebrated Mexico's "unity, diversity, and ancestral culture" with traditional and contemporary music, customary dances, and a giant trophy display. Colombian singer Shakira performed "Dai Dai," a song composed for this World Cup, alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy. J Balvin, Belinda, and Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández also participated in the festivities, which concluded with fireworks. The Azteca Stadium made history by hosting its third World Cup opening match, following 1970 and 1986, solidifying its status as a global football landmark. Thousands of fans gathered at the stadium, despite a significant security presence including the National Guard, riot police, and mounted units. Amidst the football celebration, social issues were also present, with a banner calling for a "boycott of the FIFA 2026 World Cup" displayed near the stadium. Striking teachers had also conducted protests, blocking parts of the capital. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated the situation was "under control," and the fan zone, set up in the Zocalo, opened as pla
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The Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the official dates for the main national cultural events scheduled for the last quarter of the year. The calendar includes three flagship events organized under the "Carthage" label: the Carthage Music Days JMC, the Carthage Theater Days JTC, and the Carthage Film Days JCC. The Carthage Music Days, directed by Mondher Fallah, will open the season from October 3 to 10, 2026. This event brings together artists, music industry professionals, and cultural sector stakeholders, serving as a key platform for musical creation in Tunisia and the Arab and African world. The Carthage Theater Days, led by Slim Sonhaji, will follow from November 21 to 28, 2026. This event is a significant platform for exchange and promotion of performing arts in the region, attracting theater companies, directors, and professionals from various countries. The Carthage Film Days, under the direction of Mokhtar Ajimi, will take place from December 12 to 19, 2026. Established in 1966, the JCC remains Tunisia's most iconic cinematic event and one of the oldest festivals dedicated to African and Arab cinema. This edition will further promote regional productions and emerging talents in filmmaking.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries has announced the cereal reception prices for the 2026 season, as part of preparations for the harvest collection and storage period. According to a statement released on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the prices are set as follows: durum wheat at 140 dinars per quintal, including an early delivery bonus of 40 dinars per quintal; soft wheat at 110 dinars per quintal, including an early delivery bonus of 30 dinars per quintal; and barley and triticale at 90 dinars per quintal, including an early delivery bonus of 25 dinars per quintal. Producers of barley and triticale will receive this bonus if they deliver their production by July 15, 2026. For durum wheat and soft wheat, the deadline for the early delivery bonus is August 31, 2026.
Must ReadThe World Bank has lowered its global economic growth forecast for 2026 to 2.5%, down from 2.9% in 2025. This would mark the slowest growth rate since the COVID-19 pandemic, excluding periods of global recession. In its global economic outlook report published on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the international institution cautioned against increasing risks to economic activity, citing geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties. The World Bank noted that it has reduced growth forecasts for nearly two-thirds of the world's economies compared to estimates released last January. This revision reflects a more complex international environment characterized by a slowdown in global trade, more cautious investments, and weakened economic confidence. According to the institution, economic prospects are deteriorating in both developed countries and several emerging economies, although the latter are expected to continue to show relatively higher growth rates. A key risk factor identified by the World Bank is the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The institution believes that continued or worsening conflict could significantly impact global markets, particularly through rising energy prices and disruptions to supply chains. These developments could exacerbate inflationary pressures and further hinder economic recovery in several regions worldwide. The report also highlights a slowdown in private investment, penalized by persistent uncertainty. Businesses remain cautious due to ge