Musical performances, colour, fan excitement precede the World Cup’s opening game in Mexico City.
A star-studded performance, headlined by singers Shakira and Burna Boy, and a gigantic World Cup trophy officially inaugurated the tournament at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The iconic World Cup venue was a sea of dark green and yellow jerseys, as fans eagerly awaited the tournament opener between hosts Mexico and South Africa on Thursday.
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It was a throwback to the 2010 World Cup, when Colombian star Shakira performed her viral song Waka Waka – which ultimately became a global football anthem – ahead of the match between then-hosts South Africa and Mexico. Only this time, Shakira performed the World Cup anthem Dai Dai, alongside Nigerian star Burna Boy.
The ceremony celebrated Aztec culture and saw the pitch filled with performers in colourful costumes before Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs welcomed the world in Spanish and English.
“People of the world, welcome to Mexico!” she said to the crowd filled with fans in Mariachi costumes and dark green jerseys supporting Mexico, which last hosted the World Cup in 1986. Two large screens at opposite ends of the stadium aired footage from the tournament 40 years ago.
Azteca comes to life
The iconic Estadio Azteca already has a special place in football history after hosting two World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, so it was a fitting choice to inaugurate the weeks-long tournament.
Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean sang ‘Partidazo’ alongside performers dressed in traditional Mexican dress. He was followed by Mexican popstar Belinda and Los Angeles Azules, who had a cultural mashup in their song ‘Por Ella’ as part of the World Cup album.
It was a ceremony for all generations as Mexican pop-rock band Mana had the crowd singing along to their 1992 hit ‘Oye Mi Amor’.
Colombian singer J Balvin and rapper Ryan Castro pumped up the crowd as they teamed up to perform a medley of their hits at the opening ceremony, including their duet ‘Una A La Vez’. Balvin wrapped up his performance by singing ‘I Like It’, his hit song with Cardi B and Bad Bunny.
Shakira steals the show
The crowd roared as Shakira appeared on the pitch and took the mic. She immaculately executed the choreography of ‘Dai Dai’ with her dancers before being joined by Burna Boy. The duo ended the song with “Dale, allez, let’s go!”
The performances gave way to the more official introduction of the tournament. World Cup Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault took to the pitch to welcome fans from around the world.
“In this stadium, along with Canada and the United States, we welcome the 48 flags,” she said in Spanish. “Us Mexicans are very honoured to be here where the World Cup begins.”
Her welcome was followed by a procession of flags from all 48 countries competing at the World Cup.
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and singer EJAE then performed ‘DNA’, the official FIFA World Cup anthem for 2026.
It was followed by South African artist Tyla singing the national anthem as the team’s players and fans in the crowd sang along and placed their hands over their hearts.
Grammy winner Alejandro Fernandez, who’s been a staple of the Mexican music scene for three decades, rounded out the ceremony as he sang the Mexican national anthem.
Clouds of red and green smoke burst into the air to signal the start of the tournament.
Chaos at fan zones across Mexico City
Access to the fan zone in Zocala plaza was hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers from reaching the area.
“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” a city official shouted through a megaphone as he tried to control access to the venue where the opening game was to be shown on a giant screen.
Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police, as well as chanting in support of the Mexican team.
“It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan. “There could have been better organisation.”
The local government announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone but cast doubt on her presence following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.
