Shakira Returns for 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony at Historic Azteca
Published June 11, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off with an opening ceremony at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, featuring a performance by global superstar Shakira and other Latin artists, though initial reactions have been varied.
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The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest in history across three host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – began its festivities with an opening ceremony at the legendary Azteca Stadium. The event, held in Mexico City, marked the official start of the expanded tournament, drawing attention for its lineup of performers and the historic venue itself.
Colombian pop icon Shakira, known globally for her 2010 World Cup anthem "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," took center stage, leading a contingent of Latin singers. Her performance included the debut of her new tournament song, "Dai Dai," co-written with Nigerian artist Burna Boy. The track, whose title reportedly translates to "Let's go" in Italian, was a highlight of the ceremony, which also featured dancers in indigenous attire and a diverse array of other Latin American musical talents.
The Azteca, officially referred to as Mexico City Stadium for the World Cup, holds a unique place in football history, having hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, famously featuring legends Pelé and Diego Maradona. Its renovation for the 2026 event solidifies its status as the first stadium ever to host three men's World Cups. While the ceremony aimed to set an energetic tone for the global spectacle, early reviews for Shakira's return and the overall production have reportedly been mixed among fans.