Shakira, Andrea Bocelli Headline Electrifying 2026 World Cup Opening in Mexico City
Published June 12, 2026
)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off in Mexico City with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring performances by Shakira and Andrea Bocelli, alongside appearances from Salma Hayek and other artists.
Published — local time around the world
The 2026 FIFA World Cup began its historic journey on Thursday with an vibrant opening ceremony in Mexico City, setting the stage for the global tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Music icon Shakira, operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli, and Mexican actress Salma Hayek were among the prominent figures who graced the event, signaling the start of the expanded 48-team competition.
Shakira, a familiar face at World Cup festivities, delivered a performance of "Dai Dai," the tournament's official song, alongside Burna Boy. The Colombian superstar is no stranger to the World Cup stage, having previously captivated audiences with her hit "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" for the 2010 event and performing at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 editions. She emphasized the importance of a World Cup anthem possessing rhythm, danceability, and a unifying quality that encourages fans to sing along.
The ceremony also saw a surprise appearance from Salma Hayek and a performance by the band Maná, adding to the cultural richness of the kickoff. Lila Downs welcomed attendees in Spanish, English, and indigenous languages Mixtec and Nahuatl, extending a warm Mexican greeting to the world. Following the memorable opening, Mexico initiated its tournament campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa. Shakira is also slated to perform at the first-ever World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, alongside Madonna and BTS.