The 2026 FIFA World Cup got off to a spectacular start on Thursday as Burna Boy and Shakira delivered a thrilling performance at the opening ceremony inside Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, setting the stage for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa.
With more than 80,000 fans packed into the historic stadium, the ceremony blended music, culture, and football in a colourful celebration marking the beginning of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup.
The tournament is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with a record 104 matches scheduled before the final takes place in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
Ahead of kick-off, dancers performed around a giant replica of the World Cup trophy while fireworks illuminated the skies above the renovated Estadio Azteca. The venue holds a special place in football history, having hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986.
The highlight of the evening came when Colombian music sensation Shakira joined Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem. Their performance drew thunderous applause and cheers from supporters inside the stadium.
Other artists who took part in the ceremony included Latin music star J Balvin and renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, adding to the global flavour of the event.
“It’s already a party in Mexico,” said football fan Ingrid Orozco, who attended the ceremony.
Another supporter, Gustavo Ramírez, described the atmosphere as simply “amazing” as fans celebrated the start of football’s biggest competition.
While celebrations unfolded inside the stadium, scenes outside Mexico City’s official World Cup fan zone were far less orderly.
Thousands of supporters gathered at Zócalo Plaza hoping to watch the opening match on a giant screen, but access was restricted due to metal barriers installed amid ongoing protests by teachers demanding salary increases.
The crowd surge led to tense moments as fans pushed through entry points, prompting city officials to intervene. Some supporters reportedly threw water bottles and shouted at police officers while others continued chanting in support of the Mexican national team.
Authorities later announced on social media that the fan zone had reached full capacity and advised supporters to head to alternative viewing centres across the city.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who had been expected to attend the fan zone event, reportedly reconsidered her appearance following the recent protests and security concerns in the area.
Despite the crowd management challenges, the festive atmosphere surrounding the opening ceremony underscored the excitement of a tournament expected to be the largest and most watched FIFA World Cup in history.
