Chinese Character Labubu Steals the Spotlight at World Cup Opening.

The first of three opening ceremonies marked the start of the FIFA World Cup hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The show took place at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and impressed spectators with its grandeur, well-balanced duration, and entertaining moments for audiences of all ages.

The popular Chinese character Labubu appeared at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup, Xinhua reported.

The hosts showcased traditional Mexican costumes and dances. In addition, two Labubu figures dressed in football jerseys joined the celebrations ahead of the tournament's opening.

The ceremony also featured references to the Aztecs, a powerful Indigenous civilization that built an empire in Central Mexico between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, once stood on the site of present-day Mexico City, where the World Cup officially kicked off last night.

As for the live performers, they were carefully selected to appeal to different audiences. The ceremony was opened by one of Mexico’s most popular pop-rock bands, Mana, founded in 1981 and boasting millions of fans worldwide.

According to the organizers, this is the first original Chinese character to participate in an official opening event of a FIFA tournament. Recognizable by its nine teeth and pointed ears, the character was created in 2015 and has become one of China's most popular cultural brands in recent years.

Ahead of the World Cup, Labubu took part in a series of tournament-related initiatives. In April, a special collection of products inspired by the championship was launched, and in May the character appeared in the official music video for the tournament’s anthem.

The World Cup also marks Labubu’s first visit to Mexico. As part of the pre-tournament events, the character visited iconic local landmarks, markets, and traditional Mexican cuisine experiences, Xinhua added.