MEXICO CITY, Mexico: The iconic Estadio Azteca played host to a dazzling opening ceremony on Thursday, as the 23rd FIFA World Cup kicked off with performances from international stars including Shakira.
Let’s go, @FIFAWorldCup 2026! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/y6ptWex7Ih
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 11, 2026
Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian afrobeat sensation Burna Boy set the stage on fire with their performance of “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song. Another Colombian singer, J Balvin, also delivered an electrifying performance, while artists from the three host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, proudly presented their cultural heritage through vibrant music and dance.
Mexico City is ready to kick off @FIFAWorldCup 2026! 🤩🇲🇽🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/BoCCvh3My8
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 11, 2026
Thousands of cheering fans packed the historic venue to celebrate the commencement of the biggest World Cup in history.
For the first time since the tournament’s inception in 1930, the FIFA World Cup features a record 48 teams, 16 more than the traditional 32, and is being played across three countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The stage is set.
Mexico City Stadium is ready to host its third @FIFAWorldCup opening game 🙌🏟️ pic.twitter.com/FFptXqyZPj
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 11, 2026
The month-long football spectacle will officially begin with the curtain-raiser match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, a repeat of the opening fixture of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
Tonight’s match also marks a historic milestone for the Estadio Azteca. The iconic venue will become the first stadium in the world to host matches of three separate World Cup editions, 1970, 1986, and now 2026.
Kicking off in style 🤩
The @FIFAWorldCup opening ceremony in Mexico City was special! pic.twitter.com/HvBBvhyjM9
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 11, 2026
The 48-team tournament will run until July 19, when the highly anticipated final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In another historic first, the 2026 World Cup final is expected to feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show, promising an unforgettable blend of world-class football and global entertainment.
