Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, and More Ignite 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City

A dazzling array of international stars graced the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The event was headlined by Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy, who performed their World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.”

A Star-Studded Lineup

The ceremony featured a host of renowned artists, including Maná, J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Tyla. The show commenced 90 minutes before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, captivating an audience of over 80,000 attendees and millions watching worldwide.

According to organizers, the event was a celebration of music and sport, showcasing the cultural richness of the participating nations. Before the match, Tyla delivered a stirring rendition of the South African national anthem, while Alejandro Fernández, a prominent figure in ranchera music, performed Mexico’s anthem on the historic field.

Celebrating Unity Through Art and Sport

Fher Olvera, the lead singer of Maná, expressed the significance of the event, stating that art and sports have the power to unite people. He remarked, “Soccer unites entire countries around the same emotion, and music does something similar. That’s why it’s so special for us to be part of the World Cup opening.” He further emphasized the monumental nature of kicking off an event that billions would watch globally.

Mexican actress and producer Salma Hayek served as the honorary host for the ceremony, having been appointed as the tournament’s official ambassador. She welcomed attendees and the international audience just minutes before the first kickoff.

In a notable gesture, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, chose not to attend the opening match featuring the Mexican national team. Instead, she donated her ticket to a young Mexican soccer fan through a nationwide contest.

This marks the third time Mexico has hosted a FIFA World Cup, sharing the honor this year with the United States and Canada.

Highlights of the Opening Ceremony

Lila Downs

Mexican-American singer-songwriter Lila Downs opened the ceremony with an indigenous ritual at the center of the field, adorned in turquoise blue, a color significant to Mesoamerican cultures. Surrounded by dancers in traditional attire, she welcomed the world in Spanish, English, and Mixtec, stating, “Peoples of the world, welcome to Mexico!”

Maná

Following Downs, the iconic rock band Maná took the stage, performing their classic “Oye Mi Amor.” The performance was a crowd favorite, with attendees singing along passionately. The song, a staple in their repertoire, gained renewed significance as it was also featured in Dua Lipa’s recent album, Live From Mexico City.

Danny Ocean

Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean represented Latin America with his song “Partidazo,” included in the official World Cup album. Accompanied by dancers from the Ballet Folclórico de México, Ocean infused contemporary flair into the ceremony, setting the stage ablaze with reggaeton vibes.

Los Ángeles Azules & Belinda

The cumbia band Los Ángeles Azules, alongside pop star Belinda, performed “Por Ella,” a track from the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album. Their performance celebrated Mexican culture and resonated with the audience, who responded with thunderous applause.

J Balvin & Ryan Castro

Colombian superstar J Balvin delivered a memorable performance, appearing with Ryan Castro to sing “Una a la Vez.” Earlier, he entertained the crowd with “Que Calor,” riding in a cardboard car that simulated driving, adding a playful element to the show.

Shakira & Burna Boy

The highlight of the ceremony came when Shakira and Burna Boy took the stage for the first live performance of “Dai Dai.” Shakira, known for her energetic performances, captivated the audience with her dance moves, celebrating the spirit of the World Cup. This marks her fourth contribution to the tournament, having previously performed at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups.

Shakira is also set to co-headline the halftime show of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, alongside Madonna and BTS.

Tyla

South African singer Tyla delivered a powerful rendition of her country’s national anthem, stirring pride among the attendees. Her performance was met with applause, showcasing respect for both the host nation and the rival team.

Alejandro Fernández

The renowned Alejandro Fernández performed the Mexican national anthem, moving the crowd as they sang along. Dressed in a mariachi suit, he expressed his honor in performing this national symbol on such a historic occasion.

As reported by www.billboard.com.

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Published on 2026-06-12 00:20:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk