FIFA World Cup 2026 Opens in Historic Style at Estadio Azteca as Shakira and Burna Boy Ignite Mexico City
History, music and football passion came together at the iconic Estadio Azteca as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ officially began with a spectacular opening ceremony that captivated fans around the globe.
In a vibrant and star-studded celebration, Mexico City hosted the first of three historic opening ceremonies planned across the tournament's host nations, setting the stage for what promises to be the largest FIFA World Cup in history. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the United States and Canada for the first time, the month-long football festival could not have asked for a more memorable curtain-raiser.
The atmosphere during the @FIFAWorldCup 2026 opening ceremony! 😍🎶 pic.twitter.com/J1IEOC9ysk
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 11, 2026
The choice of Estadio Azteca—commercially known as Estadio Banorte—as the venue for the tournament's opening match carried immense historical significance. The legendary stadium officially became the first venue in football history to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches, adding the 2026 edition to its storied legacy after hosting the opening games of the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
Let's go, @FIFAWorldCup 2026! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/y6ptWex7Ih
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 11, 2026
Recognizing the magnitude of the occasion, Mexico City declared June 11, 2026, a local holiday, allowing residents and visitors alike to celebrate a landmark moment in the nation's sporting history.
The ceremony also marked the beginning of an unprecedented trilogy of opening celebrations. Additional opening events are scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada, and Los Angeles, United States, reflecting the unique tri-nation hosting format of FIFA World Cup 2026.
The highlight of the 90-minute pre-match extravaganza was the world premiere performance of "Dai Dai," the Official Song of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Global music superstar Shakira returned to the World Cup stage alongside Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy, delivering a high-energy performance that electrified the packed stadium and millions watching around the world.
Their appearance was complemented by a breathtaking showcase of Mexican culture and heritage. The stadium pitch transformed into a vibrant canvas of color, featuring indigenous artists, folkloric dancers and contemporary performers who celebrated the country's rich traditions while embracing the global spirit of the tournament.
Cutting-edge visual effects, synchronized drone displays, dazzling light shows and spectacular pyrotechnics added to the atmosphere, creating an unforgettable spectacle worthy of football's grandest stage.
Following the ceremony, co-hosts Mexico took to the field against South Africa in the opening match of Group A, rekindling memories of their memorable encounter in the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg.
With 104 matches scheduled across 16 host cities and the tournament culminating in the final on July 19 in New Jersey, FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to redefine the scale and reach of international football. The opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca provided the perfect introduction to a tournament expected to unite billions of fans worldwide through a shared love of the beautiful game.
As fireworks illuminated the Mexico City skyline and supporters from every corner of the globe celebrated together, one message was clear: football's greatest spectacle has officially arrived. :::
