"Labubu" Puppets Spark Debate at 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony

The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony was marked by controversy after the unexpected appearance of the famous "Labubu" puppets, which quickly became a focal point for fans and media alike.

The ceremony, held before the inaugural match between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, featured performances by global stars including the Colombian singer Shakira. The artistic displays celebrated the launch of the first World Cup edition to include 48 national teams.

Despite the star-studded event, the presence of the "Labubu" puppets attracted significant criticism. Many observers pointed out that these puppets, originally from Hong Kong and recently popularized on social media platforms, do not represent Mexican cultural identity nor connect to the country's history or heritage. This raised questions about the message the event organizers intended to convey.

Among the most vocal critics was Spanish sports journalist José Ramón Fernández, who questioned on his X account why the ceremony did not emphasize elements reflecting Mexican culture in such a major global event.

Argentine journalist Mariano Pérez also joined the criticism, commenting succinctly on the puppets' appearance by stating, "Football is dead," alluding to the dominance of consumer culture and digital trends in major sporting events.

Fan reactions on social media varied, with some supporters viewing the "Labubu" inclusion as a sign of social media's influence on marketing and organizational decisions. Others felt the event should have showcased symbols more closely linked to Mexico and its history.

This incident adds another chapter to the ongoing debate surrounding the current World Cup edition, which has faced criticism since before its start regarding organizational and logistical aspects. The tournament is hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.