Shakira, Burna Boy Ignite 2026 World Cup Opening in Mexico City

The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup began with a spectacular opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday, setting the stage for the first-ever 48-team tournament. Global music icons Shakira and Burna Boy headlined the event at the iconic Estadio Azteca, thrilling spectators ahead of the inaugural match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

The ceremony, held in the recently renovated 80,000-capacity stadium, which famously hosted the World Cup finals in both 1970 and 1986, was a dazzling display of sound and light. Dancers moved around a colossal replica of the World Cup trophy as fireworks illuminated the night sky. A highlight for many was the performance of "Dai Dai," the official tournament song, delivered with powerful energy by Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy, eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

While festivities inside the stadium created a celebratory atmosphere, the scene outside in Mexico City's central Zocalo plaza was less orderly. Thousands of fans attempting to enter the official World Cup fan zone faced significant congestion and pushing. Access to the area was reportedly complicated by metal barriers that had been erected to manage a separate situation involving protesting teachers, leading to chaotic crowd control issues shortly before the 18:00 GMT kickoff.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises an expanded schedule of 104 matches, culminating in the final on July 19 in New Jersey.