Shakira, Andrea Bocelli, Salma Hayek launch 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli, and Salma Hayek headlined a spectacular World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City before Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0. The event celebrated Mexican culture, global music, and international unity through performances, traditional displays, and appearances from world-renowned artists. The ceremony also marked the official start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
World Cup Opening Ceremony Quick Looks
- Shakira performed the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy.
- Salma Hayek made a surprise appearance welcoming fans worldwide.
- Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 after the ceremony.
- Maná energized fans with a performance of “Oye Mi Amor.”
- Andrea Bocelli joined EJAE and David Guetta for the official anthem.
- Lila Downs welcomed visitors in Spanish, English, Mixtec, and Nahuatl.
- Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda performed a FIFA album collaboration.
- J Balvin delivered a high-energy set featuring multiple hits.
- Tyla and Alejandro Fernández performed the national anthems.
- The ceremony showcased Mexico’s culture, heritage, and diversity.
World Cup Opening Ceremony Deep Look
Mexico City Launches the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began with a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and international unity in Mexico City as global stars took center stage ahead of Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa.
The opening ceremony transformed the stadium into a showcase of artistic performances, traditional heritage, and modern entertainment. Tens of thousands of fans witnessed a spectacle designed to highlight Mexico’s cultural identity while welcoming supporters from around the world.
As one of the three host nations alongside the United States and Canada, Mexico embraced the opportunity to introduce the tournament with a celebration that blended international talent with local traditions.
Shakira Returns to the World Cup Stage
One of the evening’s biggest highlights came when Shakira performed “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
The Colombian superstar has become closely associated with the tournament after her global success with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” during the 2010 World Cup.
Speaking previously about what makes a successful World Cup anthem, Shakira said:
“needs to definitely have rhythm. It has to be rhythmic. It has to make people want to dance. And it has to be an anthem as well. It has to make people want to sing along in unison, sing out loud at the top of their lungs.”
Her latest appearance continues a long World Cup tradition, having also performed during tournaments in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil.
Salma Hayek Delivers a Proud Welcome
Hollywood actress and producer Salma Hayek surprised fans with an appearance during the parade of participating nations.
Standing before the flags of all 48 competing countries, Hayek welcomed players and supporters while celebrating Mexico’s role as host.
Speaking in Spanish, she said:
“Mexicans are very honored that this is where the first match of this wonderful soccer tradition that unites us all begins.”
She concluded with:
“Long live Mexico and long live soccer!”
Hayek, who was recently named a World Cup ambassador, added star power to an already celebrity-filled evening.
Lila Downs Celebrates Mexico’s Cultural Heritage
Singer-songwriter Lila Downs delivered one of the ceremony’s most meaningful moments by greeting visitors in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Mixtec, and Nahuatl.
Dressed in a traditional indigenous huipil, Downs highlighted Mexico’s diverse heritage and ancestral traditions.
Addressing the global audience, she declared:
“People of the world, welcome to Mexico.”
She continued:
“Mexico welcomes you with smiles from our heart, we are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride in ancestral lands where movement and ritual spirit endure.”
Downs later reflected on the significance of representing her country on such a large stage, calling it a tremendous honor.
Maná Ignites the Stadium
Legendary Mexican rock band Maná energized the crowd with a powerful performance of their hit song “Oye Mi Amor.”
Surrounded by dancers wearing elaborate pre-Hispanic costumes and feathered headdresses, the group blended rock music with traditional cultural imagery.
The crowd enthusiastically sang along, creating one of the ceremony’s most memorable moments.
The performance also served as a platform for the band to announce an upcoming Latin American tour that will include stops across major cities in the region.
Los Ángeles Azules Bring Cumbia to the Global Stage
Popular cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules continued the celebration with a performance of “Por Ella” alongside singer Belinda.
The song appears on FIFA’s official World Cup music album and quickly had fans dancing throughout the venue.
The band proudly referenced its roots in Iztapalapa, a working-class district of Mexico City, reinforcing its famous slogan:
“From Iztapalapa to the world!”
Their appearance highlighted the growing international influence of Mexican popular music.
J Balvin, Andrea Bocelli and Global Artists Unite
Colombian superstar J Balvin delivered a visually dynamic set featuring several popular songs, including “Que Calor,” “Una A La Vez,” and “I Like It.”
His performance blended colorful stage design, dancers, and high-energy choreography.
Later, renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli joined South Korean singer EJAE and French producer David Guetta for a performance of “DNA,” the tournament’s official anthem.
The collaboration reflected the global nature of the World Cup, bringing together artists from different continents and musical traditions.
EJAE, known for her work in the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” added a modern K-pop element to the ceremony.
National Anthems Set the Stage for Kickoff
Before the opening match began, South African star Tyla performed her nation’s anthem while Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández delivered a passionate rendition of Mexico’s national anthem.
Both performances drew strong applause from fans as anticipation built for the tournament’s first match.
Fernández, one of Mexico’s most recognizable musical figures, further strengthened the event’s celebration of national pride and cultural identity.
A Global Celebration Begins
The opening ceremony successfully combined music, tradition, celebrity appearances, and national pride to launch what promises to be one of the largest sporting events in history.
With performances from internationally recognized artists and heartfelt tributes to Mexican culture, the event underscored the World Cup’s unique ability to bring together people from different nations and backgrounds.
As Mexico, the United States, and Canada prepare to host matches over the coming weeks, the opening ceremony offered a colorful reminder of why the World Cup remains one of the world’s most celebrated global events.
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