A wave of international stars lit up the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony on Thursday (June 11) at Mexico City’s stadium (Estadio Azteca), headlined by Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy with their World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.”
Maná, J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules and Tyla were also part of the spectacular show, which began 90 minutes before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
The spectacle was witnessed by more than 80,000 people inside the venue and millions around the world, according to organizers. Before the game began, Tyla performed the South African national anthem, while ranchera music icon Alejandro Fernández performed Mexico’s anthem on the field of the legendary stadium — a venue that has witnessed historic soccer moments featuring figures such as the late Pelé and Diego Maradona during the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, respectively.
“I believe that two of the most beautiful things in existence are art and sports because they have the ability to bring people together,” said Fher Olvera, the lead singer of Maná, in a statement to Billboard Español. “Soccer unites entire countries around the same emotion, and music does something similar. That’s why it’s so special for us to be part of the World Cup opening.”
“Just imagine what it means to kick off an event that billions of people around the planet will watch, and to do it in Mexico, no less,” he added. “It feels monumental.”
Mexican actress and producer Salma Hayek served as the honorary host during the opening ceremony, having been previously appointed as the tournament’s official ambassador. From the field, Hayek greeted attendees and the international audience just minutes before the first kickoff.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, declined to attend the tournament’s opening match featuring the Mexican national team at Mexico City’s stadium. Instead, she gave her ticket to a young Mexican soccer fan through a nationwide contest.
This marks the third time Mexico has hosted a FIFA World Cup, though this time it shares hosting duties with the United States and Canada.
Below, see the highlights of the opening ceremony, in chronological order:
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