J Balvin will lead a neon-drenched parade of global icons at the Estadio Azteca on June 11 to kick off the most expensive party in sporting history. The Colombian superstar joins a roster that includes Alejandro Fernández and Belinda for an opening ceremony designed to make the world forget everything but the rhythm. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the lineup on Friday, marking the moment Mexico City becomes the first city to host three World Cup openers.

The grass at the Azteca will briefly share the spotlight with 3,400 years of history. Youth in leather "fajado" belts have been practicing ulama, the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame, in the remote pockets of Mazatlán to prepare for the festivities. While the celebrities rehearse their choreography, the security teams are focused on a more mechanical audience.

Arthur Erickson, CEO of Hylio, warned that the threat of a sophisticated drone strike is the ultimate party crasher. "We’re talking hundreds if not thousands of possible casualties," Erickson told Military.com, arguing that American-made heavy-lift drones are the only way to keep the 48-team field safe. The sky above the stadium will be as crowded with anti-terror robotics as the stage is with reggaeton stars.

The gossip at the FIFA hospitality suites is that while J Balvin brings the rhythm, the heavy-lift drones bring the reality; the link between reggaeton and anti-terror robotics is the only thing keeping the $871 million party from becoming a disaster movie.