The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially got underway on Thursday in spectacular fashion as Mexico staged a colourful opening ceremony featuring global music stars, dazzling cultural displays and tens of thousands of passionate football fans inside the iconic Azteca Stadium.
Key Highlights:
- Shakira and Burna Boy headlined the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico.
- The event featured music, cultural displays, fireworks, and a flyover at Azteca Stadium.
- Other performers included J Balvin, Danny Ocean, and Andrea Bocelli.
- The ceremony celebrated Mexico’s culture ahead of the opening match against South Africa.
- The 2026 World Cup is the first to be co-hosted by Mexico, United States, and Canada.
Forty years after last hosting the tournament, Mexico welcomed the world with a celebration of music, culture and football ahead of the opening Group A match between the host nation and South Africa.
The ceremony brought together some of the biggest names in global entertainment, led by Colombian superstar Shakira, who thrilled the packed crowd with an electrifying performance.
She was joined by fellow Colombian artist J Balvin, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy, Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean, and Mexican rock icon Fher Olvera.
As performers took to the stage, organisers welcomed supporters from around the world with a message highlighting Mexico’s diversity, heritage and passion for football.
“Welcome to Mexico. We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations,” an announcer declared as the tournament officially commenced.
The opening ceremony featured performers dressed in traditional indigenous attire, elaborate golden costumes and giant football-themed props, creating a vibrant showcase of Mexican culture before a capacity crowd estimated at more than 80,000 spectators.
Adding to the spectacle, Mexican Air Force helicopters flew over the stadium carrying the national flag while fireworks illuminated the skies above the famous venue.
The tournament’s official anthem, DNA, was performed by renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli alongside South Korean-American singer Ejae, one day after the song’s official release.
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Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández, son of legendary ranchera musician Vicente Fernández, led supporters in a stirring rendition of the Mexican national anthem, with thousands of fans singing along in unison.
South African Grammy-winning star Tyla delivered a powerful performance of her country’s national anthem ahead of kickoff.
The singer, known for global hits including Water and the FIFA song Game Time, is also scheduled to appear at Friday’s opening ceremony in Los Angeles as the United States begins its share of hosting duties.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, marking the first time three nations have co-hosted football’s biggest tournament.
While preparations for the event faced challenges in recent months, including infrastructure projects, protests and security concerns, the focus on Thursday shifted entirely to football as fans filled the renovated Azteca Stadium with colour, songs and optimism.
Many supporters described the occasion as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Among them was Mexican fan Javier Pérez, who attended the match with his family and expressed excitement about witnessing a World Cup on home soil.
“We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it’s a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before, so to bring my family is wonderful,” he said.
The opening ceremony set the tone for what FIFA hopes will be the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 nations competing across North America over the coming weeks.
With football fever sweeping through Mexico City and millions watching around the globe, the road to crowning the next world champion is officially underway. :::
