2026 World Cup Opening Match Kicks Off with Shakira and Burna Boy Lighting Up Fans

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off today with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. At the opening ceremony, Latin pop legend Shakira from Colombia and Nigerian music star Burna Boy took the stage to perform the tournament's official theme song 'Dai Dai,' sending the crowd into a frenzy of cheers and standing ovations.

According to AFP, this year's tournament marks the first World Cup to feature 48 participating nations, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total of 104 matches will be played, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey, USA.

The opening ceremony featured dancers performing around a giant World Cup trophy, while fireworks lit up the sky above the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This iconic stadium, which previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, has been renovated for this year's event and now accommodates up to 80,000 spectators.

The ceremony reached its climax as Colombian superstar Shakira joined forces with Burna Boy to perform the official tournament anthem 'Dai Dai' with powerful energy, electrifying the entire stadium. Additional performers included Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin and Italian tenor legend Andrea Bocelli, further amplifying the festive atmosphere.

Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old fan, told AFP: 'The party in Mexico has already begun.' Gustavo Ramírez, 19, added: 'This is amazing. It's a historic moment.'

While the stadium buzzed with excitement, chaos unfolded in central Mexico City, where thousands of fans attempted to enter the official World Cup fan zone at Zócalo Plaza. Metal barriers had been erected in recent days to prevent entry by protesting teachers demanding higher wages, restricting access and causing overcrowding.

A city official tried to restore order, shouting through a megaphone: 'Don't push! There are children here! You're acting like beasts!' Some fans threw water bottles and shouted insults at police, while loudly cheering for the Mexican national team.

The opening match was set to be broadcast live on giant screens at the fan zone. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had planned to attend, but her presence remained uncertain due to ongoing protests in the area. (Compiled by: Yang Chaoyan) 1150612

Stand with the facts. Every sponsorship you provide is a force protecting press freedom.

Download the Central News Agency's 'First News' app to instantly access the latest updates.

Unauthorized reproduction, public broadcast, transmission, or use of the text, images, and videos on this website is strictly prohibited.