The 2014 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony took place on Thursday, 12 June 2014, at the Arena de São Paulo in São Paulo, Brazil at 15:15 Brasília official time (UTC−3), about a quarter to two hours before the opening match of the tournament between hosts Brazil and Croatia.

[2][3] Police in São Paulo reportedly had to use teargas to disperse one group of around 50 protesters, while striking airport workers blocked off a road leading to the Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo, demanding an increase in wages as well as a World Cup bonus.

[4] The opening match and ceremony was attended by many guests : With the ceremony lasting about 30 minutes, a host of 660 dancers put on a performance paying tribute to Brazil's nature, people and football, with a "living ball" situated in the middle of the pitch.

[6] The entire ensemble performed three separate acts leading up to the finale where the ball opened up to reveal Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte, who sang alone for a few minutes before being joined by Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull, with whom she performed the tournament's official song "We Are One (Ole Ola)", which was co-written and recorded by the three artists.

[7] The ceremonial first kick was delivered by Juliano Pinto, a paraplegic using a robotic suit from the Walk Again Project.