2026 World Cup Kicks Off with Star-Studded Ceremony and Early Upsets

The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring an expanded 48-team format, officially commenced with a spectacular opening day that delivered both dazzling entertainment and unexpected on-field drama. The global football spectacle began in Mexico, one of the three co-host nations, setting a high bar for the weeks of competition ahead.

A Grand Opening in Mexico City

Before any balls were kicked, Mexico City hosted a breathtaking opening ceremony at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The pre-match event, held 90 minutes prior to kickoff, was a rich tapestry of Aztec culture, folkloric performances, and intricate papel picado artistry. Colombian pop sensation Shakira and Nigerian music star Burna Boy captivated the more than 80,000 fans with their performance of "Dai Dai," the official tournament anthem. They were joined by a host of other international and local artists, including Maná, J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules, Lila Downs, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, South Korean singer EJAE, and South African artist Tyla, who performed her nation's anthem.

Following the grand spectacle, co-hosts Mexico took to the pitch, securing a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a match that quickly escalated into a fiery contest, marked by three red cards. Meanwhile, in Guadalajara, the tournament witnessed its first major upset as South Korea tactically outmaneuvered a heavily favored Czech Republic, achieving an impressive second-half turnaround to claim a significant win. These initial results have immediately set a tone of excitement and unpredictability for the 2026 World Cup.

The kickoff in Mexico City was the first of three planned opening ceremonies across the host nations. Toronto is set to follow with its own celebration ahead of Canada's inaugural home World Cup match, with Los Angeles concluding the trilogy later in the tournament.