World Cup 2026 opens with star-studded ceremony in Mexico City
The World Cup 2026 opening ceremony featured Shakira, Burna Boy, Andrea Bocelli, and others at Azteca Stadium, while fan zones faced chaos.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which previously hosted two finals. The venue was filled with fans wearing dark green and yellow jerseys, eagerly awaiting the opening match between hosts Mexico and South Africa. Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian star Burna Boy headlined the event, performing the official World Cup anthem "Dai Dai." Shakira revisited her 2010 hit "Waka Waka," which she performed before the same nations.
The ceremony celebrated Aztec culture with performers in colorful costumes. Mexican singer Lila Downs welcomed the world in Spanish and English. Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean sang "Partidazo," followed by pop stars Belinda and Los Angeles Azules performing "Por Ella" from the World Cup album. The band Mana got the crowd singing along to their 1992 hit "Oye Mi Amor." Colombian singer J Balvin and rapper Ryan Castro delivered a medley, including their collaboration "Una A La Vez." Shakira and Burna Boy ended their segment with the line "Dale, allez, let’s go!"
The official portion began with World Cup Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault welcoming fans and a procession of flags from all 48 competing nations. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and singer EJAE performed the official FIFA anthem "DNA." South African artist Tyla sang the national anthem, and Grammy winner Alejandro Fernandez performed the Mexican anthem. Red and green smoke filled the air to mark the tournament's start.
However, the fan zone at Zocala plaza in Mexico City experienced chaos. Metal barriers erected to keep protesting teachers away led to pushing and shoving. A city official shouted through a megaphone to control the crowd. Some fans threw water bottles and insulted police. Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan, criticized the organization. The local government declared the site full and directed fans to other plazas. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had planned to attend but doubted her presence due to ongoing teacher protests demanding wage increases.
