Mexico City — The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened in spectacular fashion at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with a star-studded musical celebration showcasing Latin America’s rich cultural heritage before the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
The ceremony began with acclaimed Mexican singer Lila Downs, who welcomed fans from around the world with the message, “People of the world, welcome to Mexico.” Dressed in a traditional white huipil, Downs performed alongside dancers paying tribute to Mexico’s indigenous and pre-Hispanic cultures, creating a vibrant display of national pride.
Legendary Mexican rock band Maná energized the crowd with their iconic hit “Oye Mi Amor,” setting the stage for the kickoff of football’s biggest tournament. Representing Guadalajara, one of the host cities, the band’s performance highlighted Mexico’s deep musical and sporting traditions.
The entertainment continued with performances from artists featured on the official FIFA World Cup album. Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean performed “Partidazo,” followed by “Por Ella,” presented by Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules, delighting fans with a blend of contemporary and traditional Latin sounds.
Colombian superstar J Balvin brought the stadium to life with performances of “Qué Calor” alongside fellow Colombian Ryan Castro, and “I Like It,” creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated the spirit of Latin music and culture.
The evening reached its climax with the appearance of global music icon Shakira, who performed “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside visuals celebrating unity, diversity, and the global passion for football. Surrounded by hundreds of dancers and dressed in a striking yellow and purple ensemble, Shakira delivered a memorable performance as the World Cup trophy shone at center stage.
The ceremony also featured plans for renowned Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández to perform the Mexican national anthem, while South African artist Tyla was expected to perform the South African national anthem before kickoff.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic milestone as the first edition to be hosted by three nations—Mexico, United States, and Canada. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams competing across 104 matches.
Forty years after hosting the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Mexico once again takes center stage in world football, ushering in a new era for the sport with an unforgettable opening celebration that welcomed fans from every corner of the globe.
