The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City's Azteca Stadium featured a vibrant display of Mexican culture and music, with performances by Shakira, Lila Downs, and others. The event marked the beginning of the tournament, which will also have opening ceremonies in the United States and Canada.
The ceremony began with a grand display of the golden trophy, surrounded by performers in Aztec attire. Lila Downs welcomed the world to Mexico with a soulful performance. The Azteca Stadium, known as the 'Cathedral of Football,' has a rich history, having hosted the opening ceremonies of three previous World Cups.
Mexican rock band Mana performed 'Oye Mi Amor,' sparking the iconic 'Mexican Wave' among the audience. Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean and Mexican musical group Los Angeles Azules also delivered memorable performances. Colombian singer J Balvin took the stage, but the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of Shakira.
Shakira, dressed in a vibrant yellow, purple, and white outfit, captivated the audience with her performance of 'Daki Daki' alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy. Her presence was the highlight of the ceremony, reminiscent of her iconic 'Waka Waka' performance at the 2010 World Cup.
The ceremony concluded with FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting the trophy, as the 80,000-seat stadium erupted in cheers. The event set the tone for the tournament, with fans already celebrating in the streets of Mexico City despite some crowd management issues.
