Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy and Colombian music icon Shakira delivered a vibrant performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday at the historic Estadio Azteca ahead of the tournament’s opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
The ceremony marked the start of the expanded 48-team tournament, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. The competition will feature 104 matches, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19.
Spectators at the 80,000-capacity stadium were treated to a colourful display of music, dance and fireworks as performers celebrated the opening of football’s biggest event. Dancers performed around a giant replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy while fireworks illuminated the renovated venue, which previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.
The highlight of the ceremony came when Burna Boy and Shakira performed Dai Dai, the tournament’s official song, drawing loud cheers from fans inside the stadium.
Other performers included J Balvin and renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who entertained the crowd ahead of kickoff.
Fans described the atmosphere as festive and energetic, with supporters celebrating the start of the month-long football spectacle.
However, while celebrations unfolded inside the stadium, authorities faced crowd control challenges in central Mexico City, where thousands of fans gathered at the official World Cup fan zone in Zocalo Plaza to watch the opening match on giant screens.
Access to the venue was restricted by security barriers erected in response to ongoing protests by teachers demanding salary increases, leading to congestion and disorder as fans attempted to enter the area.
Witnesses reported pushing and shoving among spectators, while some frustrated supporters threw water bottles and exchanged insults with police officers.
City authorities later announced via social media that the fan zone had reached full capacity and advised supporters to gather at alternative viewing locations across the city.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who had been expected to attend the fan zone, cast doubt on her appearance following days of demonstrations in the area.
The opening ceremony set the stage for what organisers hope will be one of the most memorable FIFA World Cups, with Burna Boy’s prominent role further highlighting the growing global influence of Nigerian music on the world stage.
