The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a star-studded opening ceremony in Mexico City, featuring performances by Shakira, Maná, Los Ángeles Azules, J Balvin, and more, alongside a message of inclusivity from Lila Downs and Salma Hayek.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened with a vibrant ceremony in Mexico City, showcasing a blend of global music, cultural heritage, and national pride. Colombian superstar Shakira headlined the event, performing the tournament's official song "Dai Dai" alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
Known for her previous World Cup anthems, Shakira emphasized the need for rhythm, danceability, and unity in a World Cup song. The ceremony, held ahead of the Group A match between Mexico and South Africa, featured performances from iconic Latin acts including Mexican rock band Maná, who delivered their classic "Oye Mi Amor" with pre-Hispanic dancers, and announced a Latin America tour.
Mexican cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules performed with pop star Belinda, while Colombian reggaetón star J Balvin delivered a dynamic set that included "Que Calor," "Una A La Vez" with Ryan Castro, and "I Like It.
" Danny Ocean also presented his FIFA collaboration "Partidazo," surrounded by dancers in modernized traditional Jalisco dresses. Singer Lila Downs opened the ceremony, addressing the crowd in Spanish, English, Mixtec, and Nahuatl, highlighting Mexico's diversity and welcoming the world. Actress Salma Hayek, a noted soccer enthusiast, gave a brief welcome during the protocol parade of all 48 participating nations, expressing Mexico's honor at hosting the tournament's opening match.
The ceremony set an energetic tone for the first World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, which will culminate on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with a halftime show featuring Madonna and BTS
Please follow us on Google to support us World Cup Opening Ceremony Shakira Maná J Balvin Mexico 2026
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Emotional, creative protests rise up in Mexico City ahead of historic World Cup openerMexicans whose relatives have disappeared, teachers, stadium lifetime ticket owners and more air their grievances ahead of 2026 World Cup opening match.
Read more »
FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico City to Host for Third TimeThe FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held in 16 cities across North America, with Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Los Angeles, New York City, and others hosting matches. The tournament will begin on Thursday, June 11, and end on Sunday, July 19, with the final match.
Read more »
Mexico City's Subway Station Makeover for World Cup Draws CriticismWorkers hammer marble floors under a chandelier and rows of lamps in a Hidalgo metro station, transforming it into a 'Harry Potter' or 'Titanic' scene, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The makeover has become a symbol of the government prioritizing superficial appearance over critical structural issues.
Read more »
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today with Mexico vs. South Africa in Mexico CityThe World Cup is kicking off in North America, and fans are in a rush to catch the action. With 48 teams, there’s a lot to keep up with. This year’s tournament — which is hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — will be played in 16 stadiums in a record 104 matches over the 39-day tournament.
Read more »