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Sport: SoccerCountry: MexicoCategory: Playoffs

World Cup opens in Mexico City with Shakira and local performers

7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 11:41 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

World Cup opens in Mexico City with Shakira and local performers
Summary

The 2026 World Cup commenced in Mexico City today with an opening ceremony at the Azteca stadium. Global artist Shakira performed alongside other stars including J Balvin and Burna Boy. Fans expressed excitement as they gathered in festive attire to support Mexico, hosting the tournament for the first time in 40 years. Despite previous concerns over airport renovations and local unrest, the focus is now on the football action with Mexico facing South Africa. The day's celebrations feature indigenous attire and live music, setting a vibrant atmosphere for the matches ahead.

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BBC NewsYahoo SportsBBC Sport
Status Watch
  • •The opening ceremony included performances by Shakira, J Balvin, and others.
  • •Fans arrived in colorful outfits to support Mexico's team.
  • •Mexico faces South Africa in their first match of the tournament.
  • •The event is the first World Cup hosted in Mexico in 40 years.
  • •Renovations and local protests had previously cast uncertainty on the event.
Latest Updates
  • 11:41 PMBBC News — World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, dancing, and protests - BBC
  • 10:59 PMYahoo Sports — Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and Salma Hayek kick-start the World Cup at opening ceremony in Mexico City
  • 10:49 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira and a home team victory
  • 9:06 PMBBC Sport — Shakira among the performers at World Cup opening ceremony
  • 7:13 PMBBC Sport — World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, local performers and vibrant fans
What they're saying
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Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek lit up the World Cup opening ceremony ahead of Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday. Shakira performed “Dai Dai,” the tournament's official song, with Burna Boy. The Colombian star had a hit with “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and now seeks to score again.

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Shakira was among the performers during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium ahead of the opening game between Mexico and South Africa.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony festivities got underway a little over an hour before the first kickoff in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.

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