Colombian music star Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats artist Burna Boy lit up the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
The duo performed the tournament’s official song titled “Dai Dai”, energising fans ahead of the first match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
The colourful ceremony also featured performances from well-known Mexican artists, including Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs, and Belinda.
The historic Estadio Azteca, which has previously hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, was filled with fireworks, dancers, and a giant replica of the World Cup trophy as it welcomed the expanded 48-team tournament.
This edition of the World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, will feature 104 matches, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
Outside the stadium, however, the atmosphere was less peaceful as large crowds struggled to enter the fan zone in Mexico City’s Zócalo plaza due to heavy security and restrictions linked to ongoing protests.
Some fans reportedly clashed with police, while local authorities later announced that the fan zone had reached full capacity and redirected supporters to other viewing areas in the city.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was expected to attend but reportedly reconsidered her appearance amid the protests.
The tournament also introduced a historic moment for Mexico, as 17-year-old Gilberto Mora was named among the squad, making him the youngest player in the competition.
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