Dancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup trophy while fireworks lit up the historic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially opened in Mexico City ahead of the first match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. The ceremony, which began 90 minutes before kick-off, set the stage for what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history - 48 teams, 104 games, three host countries. At 16 minutes and 30 seconds, it was the longest of the three opening ceremonies planned across the tournament’s three host nations. 

‍Salma Hayek, as the World Cup Ambassador, kicked things off with a welcome address after the flag parade, declaring in Spanish: “In this stadium, along with Canada and the United States we welcome the 48 flags. Us Mexicans are very honored to be here where the World Cup begins.” 

The ceremony moved into a celebration of Mexican culture and indigenous heritage, with Aztec imagery taking centre stage around the giant golden trophy. Lila Downs welcomed the world in Spanish and English, declaring simply: “People of the world, welcome to Mexico.” 

Legendary Mexican rock band Maná were the first group to perform. Danny Ocean followed, accompanied by colourfully-dressed dancers from the Ballet Folklórico de México, performing his official FIFA World Cup track ‘Partidazo’. Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda also took the stage in a show witnessed by more than 87,000 people inside the venue and millions around the world. Colombian star J Balvin teamed up with Ryan Castro to perform a medley of their hits - kicking off with “Que Calor” before moving into their 2026 duet “Una A La Vez” and closing with “I Like It”.

Two national anthems followed. Alejandro Fernández performed the Mexican national anthem to 87,000 voices singing along inside the stadium. South African singer Tyla then delivered a rendition of the Bafana Bafana anthem - met with applause from the crowd, who showed respect toward the rival team of the host nation. For Tyla, performing the South African national anthem on the world’s biggest stage - in a tournament South Africa last appeared in when they hosted it in 2010, was a moment that extended well beyond football.

Then came the headliner. Shakira arrived to seismic noise inside the stadium, performing alongside Burna Boy and debuting “Dai Dai”- the official song of the 2026 World Cup - live for the first time. The song closed out the ceremony with both artists surrounded by dancers in front of the enormous golden trophy. As the song ended, the two came together and sang: “Dale, allez, let’s go!” Her third World Cup anthem. Her third tournament on this stage.

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 against South Africa. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring for Mexico and the tournament as a whole in the ninth minute, pouncing on a South African turnover and sending a low strike between goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ legs. Raúl Jiménez added the second in the 67th minute.The game produced three red cards - two for South Africa and one for Mexico - making it the first time in FIFA World Cup history that two players were sent off in the opening game. The tournament runs until July 19.

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