The 2026 FIFA World Cup got under way in Mexico City on Thursday with a colourful opening ceremony featuring international music stars, cultural performances and thousands of fans at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
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Supporters packed the venue ahead of Mexico’s opening match against South Africa, marking the first time the country has hosted a World Cup match on home soil in 40 years. The atmosphere was one of celebration and anticipation as fans gathered to witness the start of football’s biggest tournament.
For many supporters, the opening match represented a rare opportunity to experience the World Cup in their own country.
Javier Pérez, attending the match with his family, said the chance to witness the tournament in person outweighed any difficulties encountered during the build-up.
He described the occasion as a unique experience and expressed hope that Mexico would make a strong start to the competition.
Music and culture take centre stage
The opening festivities were led by Colombian singer Shakira and featured performances from fellow Colombian artist J Balvin, Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean and Mexican musician Fher Olvera.
A welcoming message to visiting fans highlighted Mexico’s diversity, heritage and pride, while emphasizing football’s ability to unite people across generations and nations.
Performers appeared in indigenous-inspired attire, while others carried oversized golden footballs as part of the ceremony. The stadium itself provided a colourful backdrop, with fans dressed in national team colours and traditional outfits.
Tournament follows challenging build-up
The tournament arrives after a complicated period of preparation.
Renovations at Mexico City’s airport and the Azteca Stadium, protests linked to the event and concerns about cartel-related violence in recent months had all formed part of the discussion surrounding the World Cup before kickoff.
However, those issues largely faded from view as attention shifted to the opening ceremony and the start of the competition.
Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada. The other host nations are scheduled to stage their own opening celebrations on Friday.
Global stars join opening festivities
The ceremony also featured performances connected to the tournament’s official music programme. Opera singer Andrea Bocelli and singer Ejae performed the World Cup anthem, DNA, which was released on Wednesday.
Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández, son of legendary performer Vicente Fernández, led the rendition of the Mexican national anthem, joined by many of the 80,000 spectators inside the stadium.
South African artist Tyla performed her country’s national anthem ahead of the opening match. The Grammy-winning singer, known for hits including Water and the FIFA track Game Time, is also set to appear at the United States opening ceremony in Los Angeles.
FIFA has enlisted a wide range of international artists for events across the tournament, many of whom feature on the 18-track Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.
With the opening ceremony complete and the first match under way, attention now turns to the football as the month-long tournament begins across North America.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026