Emotional Haka Highlights Women’s World Cup Opening Ceremony in New Zealand

The ceremonial Māori dance was the centerpiece of a riveting opening ceremony at Auckland’s Eden Park.

The Women’s World Cup was given a rousing welcome in New Zealand’s Eden Park with a riveting opening ceremony that featured a traditional haka from a local Māori collective.

Before the World Cup officially kicked off with a match between New Zealand and Norway, the Ngati Whatua Orakei hapū (sub-tribe) performed a ceremonial dance as well as a traditional song as a welcoming gesture to visitors of the ninth edition of the global tournament.

¡No podía faltar el Haka💪!

🇳🇿 El típico ritual de Nueva Zelanda se dio cita en la inauguración de la @fifaWWC

📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/bxb1GqPC62#MundialTelemundo #LaCopaEsNuestra #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/6sJds4Wx4Y

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 20, 2023

However, the New Zealand national team did not perform a haka before its opening match. According to The Athletic, FIFA does not clear space for a haka as it follows a strict pre-match schedule set in advance. Although in the past, the Football Ferns have performed the dance following major matches. 

The opening ceremony comes after the Spanish women’s national team was at the center of controversy when a video emerged of several players attempting a haka. Spanish captain Ivana Andrés later apologized as Spain met with local Māori leaders after the team was accused of mocking the traditional dance.

The opening ceremony also featured a mesmerizing procession centered around indigenous communities in front of what is expected to be the biggest crowd for a soccer match in New Zealand history. The Māori flag, known as the Tino Rangatiratanga, was raised at Eden Park and will be flown at all four New Zealand venues.

🐍 Una mantaraya y una serpiente protagonistas de la ceremonia de inauguración de la @FIFAWWC

📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/bxb1GqPC62#MundialTelemundo #LaCopaEsNuestra #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/5KzObaOP6G

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 20, 2023

The start of the tournament comes amid heightened security in Auckland after a gunman killed two people and injured six others in a shooting hours before the opening match, which featured a moment of silence before kickoff. 

A moment of silence is held before kickoff of New Zealand vs Norway in honor of those lost in the tragic shooting that took place earlier today in New Zealand 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Q2SshiYB2y

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 20, 2023