Shakira, Bocelli, Hayek Headline Star-Studded 2026 World Cup Opening in Mexico City

The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup began its journey with a spectacular opening ceremony held in Mexico City, setting an energetic tone for the tournament. As one of the three host nations alongside the United States and Canada, Mexico welcomed the world to the expanded 48-team event with a vibrant celebration that showcased global talent and local culture.

Colombian superstar Shakira took center stage, performing "Dai Dai," reportedly the official song for the tournament. She was joined by Burna Boy for the rendition, marking another significant World Cup appearance for Shakira, who famously delivered "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" for the 2010 tournament. The star-studded lineup also included Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by Mexican actress Salma Hayek, adding to the grandeur of the event. The ceremony preceded Mexico's initial match against South Africa.

Further enriching the cultural tapestry, Mexican singer Lila Downs offered a multilingual welcome, addressing fans and players in Spanish, English, and the indigenous languages Mixtec and Nahuatl, emphasizing Mexico's diverse heritage. Shakira's involvement with the 2026 World Cup extends beyond the opening, as she is also slated to perform at the first-ever halftime show of a World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, alongside Madonna and BTS, promising an unforgettable conclusion to the global football spectacle.