The star singer Shakira was the main star of Thursday’s opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The program took place at the Aztec Stadium, officially called the Mexico City Stadium during the tournament, before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. His kickoff was scheduled for 9:00 p.m. SELF.
The Colombian singer performed with the song Dai Dai, which she prepared together with the Nigerian artist Burna Boy. FIFA returned to Shakira after the success of her songs for the previous World Cups in the foreground with the hit Waka Waka from the World Cup 2010. The program also featured other Latin American singers and the ceremony was opened by dancers in indigenous clothing. Dancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup winner’s trophy and fireworks were set off in the historic 80,000-seat stadium.
Shortly before kick-off, the Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek spoke, telling the fans to enjoy the tournament. In addition, the kick-off was preceded by a parade with the flags of all participants and at the end, a joint performance by the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and the Korean-American singer Ejae.
The Aztec Stadium was renovated before the tournament and became the first in the world to host the third Men’s World Cup. Previously, it was also played at the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, when Pelé and Diego Maradona shone there in the final matches.
The championship in the USA, Canada and Mexico is the first in history with 48 participants and also the first to be hosted by three countries. Separate ceremonies will also take place on Friday before the first games in Canada and the USA. Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette are scheduled to perform in Toronto, and American singer Katy Perry is scheduled to perform in Inglewood, Los Angeles County.
The championship with 48 participants is also co-organized by the USA and Canada. There will be 104 matches on the program, the final will take place on July 19 in New Jersey. It is expected to generate a record total revenue of $13 billion. The second match of the opening day will be played in Guadalajara on Friday at 04:00. SELČ Republic of Korea and the Czech Republic. Spain and France are considered the favorites of the tournament, defending champions Argentina will rely on their 38-year-old star leader Lionel Messi.
