By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy headlined a wave of international stars Thursday to kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The high-energy performance delivered the first live rendition of the official tournament anthem to herald the start of the historic 48-team tournament.
The celebratory atmosphere inside the stadium shifted seamlessly into competitive fervor as host nation Mexico faced off against South Africa immediately following the show, securing a definitive 2-0 victory. This year marks a massive expansion for FIFA, with 104 games played across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The 48-team field represents a 50% increase in competing nations, creating unprecedented logistical demands across the three host territories before the final in New Jersey on July 19.
Musical Pioneers Electrify the Stadium
The stadium show brought distinct global genres together. Burna Boy and Shakira performed “Dai Dai,” the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.
The appearance marked the fourth time the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer has contributed tracks to a World Cup. She previously brought “Hips Don’t Lie – Bamboo” to Germany in 2006, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” to South Africa in 2010, and “La La La” to Brazil in 2014. Alongside her dancers, she swayed her hips to African rhythms, making over 80,000 attendees dance to the new anthem. The performance also served as a nostalgic return for Shakira, who last graced this specific venue in 2018 during her El Dorado world tour.
A Multifaceted Stage of Global Talent
The ceremony deployed a diverse lineup of international talent to engage the audience. J Balvin and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed before kickoff as noise levels ramped up. Additional star power arrived through performances by Maná, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Tyla.
Dancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup trophy while fireworks erupted across the historic 80,000-capacity stadium. The venue previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals. It remains globally famous for witnessing iconic soccer moments featuring figures such as the late Pelé and Diego Maradona.
Artistic Unity and Cultural Homage
The intersection of culture and athletics resonated deeply with the participants. “I believe that two of the most beautiful things in existence are art and sports because they have the ability to bring people together,” said Fher Olvera, the lead singer of Maná, in a statement to Billboard Español. “Soccer unites entire countries around the same emotion, and music does something similar. That’s why it’s so special for us to be part of the World Cup opening.”
The sheer scale of the event was a major focus for the performers. “Just imagine what it means to kick off an event that billions of people around the planet will watch, and to do it in Mexico, no less,” Olvera added. “It feels monumental.”
Mexican actress and producer Salma Hayek served as the honorary host during the opening ceremony, having been previously appointed as the tournament’s official ambassador. From the field, Hayek greeted attendees and the international audience just minutes before the first kickoff. Tyla performed the South African national anthem, while ranchera music icon Alejandro Fernández performed Mexico’s anthem.
On-Field Drama Matches Stadium Energy
The energy from the opening acts mirrored the intensity on the pitch. Forward Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed the victory with an emotional 67th-minute header, marking his first-ever World Cup goal.
However, strict refereeing turned the match into a disciplinary frenzy. The game concluded with three red cards. South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were dismissed, leaving the visitors with nine men, while Mexican defender César Montes was also sent off late in stoppage time.
Joy Inside the Renovated Arena
For the fans who secured seats, the stadium provided an unforgettable experience. “It’s already a party in Mexico,” Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old supporter, said.
The sentiment was shared by younger attendees who felt the weight of the moment. “It’s amazing,” said Gustavo Ramírez, 19.
Tension and Chaos in the City Center
While a festive atmosphere took over the stadium, chaotic scenes broke out in the centre of Mexico City. Thousands of fans pushed and shoved as they attempted to enter the official World Cup fan zone shortly before the 1800 GMT kickoff.
Access to the fan zone in Zocalo plaza was severely hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days. The barriers were originally put up 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.
Frustration Mounts Over Organization
The logistical friction drew sharp criticism from people caught in the crowd. “It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan. “There could have been better organization.”
The local government quickly announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas.
Political Absences Alter the Diplomatic Stage
The unfolding street protests directly impacted political attendance at the opening festivities. 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.
Ultimately, Sheinbaum declined to attend the tournament’s opening match featuring the Mexican national team at Mexico City’s stadium. Instead, she gave her ticket to a young Mexican soccer fan through a nationwide contest.
A High-Stakes Glimpse into July
The opening day dynamics set a dramatic tone for the rest of the summer. Organizers must now balance the stadium spectacle with complex urban logistics across three nations.
Shakira is already scheduled to return for the conclusion of the tournament. She will co-headline the halftime show of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19. The performance will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey alongside Madonna and BTS.
This multi-nation kickoff underscores a delicate reality for FIFA. The commercial and musical power of an expanded tournament can effortlessly unify eighty thousand fans inside a stadium. However, managing the real-world friction of a massive sporting event across vast urban centers remains an ongoing challenge.
