Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian music star Burna Boy headlined a vibrant opening ceremony on Thursday as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially got underway in Mexico City ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
The duo thrilled fans with a performance of “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem, during a spectacle that also featured renowned Mexican artists including Alejandro Fernandez, Lila Downs and Belinda.
The ceremony saw dancers perform around a giant World Cup trophy replica while fireworks illuminated the renovated Estadio Azteca, which was packed with thousands of spectators.
One of football’s most iconic venues, the stadium previously staged the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and became the first arena to host matches at three different World Cups. Mexico also made history as the first country to host the tournament three times.
This year’s competition marks another milestone as the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. Co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, the tournament will comprise 104 matches, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
While celebrations filled the stadium, reports indicated that the atmosphere outside the venue was less orderly.
