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Shakira, Burna Boy Light Up 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony

Published on June 12, 2026

World Cup opening ceremony Mexico lights up Azteca as Shakira and Burna Boy perform amid fan chaos and historic 2026 tournament kickoff

Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats artist Burna Boy headlined the World Cup opening ceremony Mexico on Thursday, June 12, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, as FIFA officially launched the 2026 World Cup ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

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The pair delivered a vibrant performance of “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song, in a powerful and electrifying showcase that drew a roaring response from the packed 80,000-capacity stadium.

The ceremony featured a colourful blend of global and Mexican music talent, including performances by Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs, and Belinda, creating a festive atmosphere that set the tone for the historic tournament.

Dancers filled the pitch around a giant replica of the World Cup trophy, while fireworks lit up the iconic Estadio Azteca, a venue steeped in football history and previously home to the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.

The World Cup opening ceremony Mexico marked another milestone for the stadium, which has now hosted the tournament’s opening spectacle for a record third time, reinforcing Mexico’s legacy as a historic host nation.

The 2026 edition is also groundbreaking, becoming the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.

However, the celebratory mood was partly overshadowed by chaotic scenes outside the venue, where thousands of fans struggled to access the official fan zone at Zócalo plaza.

Reports indicated heavy congestion at security barriers, with access complicated by ongoing protests from teachers demanding improved pay conditions.

Some fans expressed frustration, throwing bottles and engaging in heated exchanges with security personnel, while others chanted in support of the Mexican national team.

Authorities later declared the fan zone full and redirected supporters to alternative viewing areas across the capital.

President Claudia Sheinbaum, who had been expected at the fan zone, reportedly reconsidered her attendance amid the unrest linked to the protests.

Adding a historic touch to the tournament, Mexico included 17-year-old Gilberto Mora among their substitutes, making him the youngest player registered for the competition.