The opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup began Thursday in Estadio Azteca before co-host Mexico’s match with South Africa.
The tournament’s official song – performed during the ceremony by Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy – drew roars from the crowd.
Before co-hosts Mexico and South Africa kicked off the tournament proper, Shakira and Burna Boy had the crowd on their feet in the Estadio Azteca opening ceremony.
The tournament, a 204-match event of 48 teams over 19 days in the United States as well as Canada and will end with the final at New Jersey on July 19.
Shakira and Burna Boy help kick off Mexico City First FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony
Just like Danny Ocean’s memorable performance, had the entire crowd singing.
In a grand ceremony, dancers encircled a huge version of the World Cup trophy as fireworks exploded over the 80,000 capacity stadium that hosted both the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals was renovated for this year’s contest.
Inside the stadium, it was fiesta time — but brand chaos in the centre of Mexico City as thousands of fans jostled to enter the official World Cup fan zone shorty before kick-off at 1800 GMT.
Metal barricades erected in recent days to block the path between protesting teachers and their goal were also set up on the plaza’s northeast side to limit access to the fan zone.
“Cut out the pushing and shoving, there’s kids here we end up looking like animals!” A city official shouted through a megaphone as he attempted to control entry into the hall where the opening match was due to be broadcast on a big screen.
Several fans threw water bottles and insulted police as well as chanting in favor of the Mexican team.
You are speaking with Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan. “Though things could have been organized more efficiently.”
The local government said on social media that the area was “full” and told fans to head for other plazas.
President Claudia Sheinbaum was due to watch the game at the fan zone, although she cast doubt on her attendance following more than a week of protests in the area by teachers calling for pay rises.