Shakira, Belinda, J Balvin and more stars shone at the grand opening party of the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup started with an unforgettable ceremony led by Shakira and more stars. Relive the best of the show and find out all the details
There is no deadline that is not met, nor date that is not reached. After four years of waiting, the 2026 World Cup started, and it did so in style with an opening ceremony where music, dance and an unprecedented fusion of cultures reigned.
At exactly 11:30 a.m., the stage of the Estadio de México (formerly known as Estadio Azteca) was illuminated by the presence of Lila Downs, who preceded the musical event with a moving welcome message.
"The trophy is not defined by a player, nor by a single nation. Soccer unites us all... Welcome to the 2026 FIFA World Cup," said the singer while a representation of Mexican cultures was displayed on stage.
As announced in the days prior to the event, the inaugural show also featured the voices of Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Los Ángeles Azules, Belinda and the rock band Maná.
For its part, the Maná group performed its well-known song “Oye mi amor”, which was chanted by the thousands of fans who gathered at the historic soccer venue. Seconds later, performer Danny Ocean joined the stage with the song “Partidazo.”
Likewise, the voices of Los Ángeles Azules shone along with the naturalized Mexican Belinda, who took on the task of singing the song “Por Ella”, which is part of the album of the sporting event.
One of the most anticipated participations in the show was that of the singer Shakira, who showed off her best dance steps to the rhythm of the official World Cup 2026 theme, “Dai Dai.” Accompanying her was Nigerian singer and producer Burna Boy.
The Colombian performer looked stunning dressed in an outfit that included: a white sports skirt and a yellow blouse with openings that highlighted her figure.
After the opening event of the 2026 World Cup, the interpretation of the Mexican National Anthem will take place under the voice of Alejandro Fernández “El Potrillo”, while the singer Tyla will be in charge of singing the South African Anthem.
The second opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup will take place in Los Angeles, California on Friday, June 12 and will be headlined by stars such as: Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla. In Canada, the sports festival will begin on the same day and will feature the talent of Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, William Prince.