MEXICO CITY – The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicked off in spectacular fashion as Mexico hosted a dazzling opening ceremony at the iconic Estadio Azteca, marking the beginning of the first World Cup ever staged across three countries and featuring a record 48 national teams.

More than 87,000 fans packed the stadium while millions watched around the world as music, culture, and football came together in a celebration that showcased Mexico to a global audience.

The show began with performances by Maná and Danny Ocean, who energized the crowd with “Partidazo.” Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda followed with “Por Ella,” drawing loud cheers from supporters waving flags and celebrating the start of the world's biggest sporting event.

One of the most anticipated moments came when global superstar Shakira joined Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the official song of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their performance, combined with stunning visual effects and a giant World Cup trophy displayed at midfield, became the highlight of the evening.

Before kickoff, the traditional parade of flags featured all 48 participating nations, emphasizing the historic scale of the expanded tournament.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and singer EJAE then performed “DNA,” the tournament's official anthem, in one of the ceremony's most emotional moments. FIFA President Gianni Infantino later appeared alongside Mexican actress Salma Hayek to present the World Cup Trophy to a roaring crowd.

The ceremony concluded with performances of the national anthems before Mexico and South Africa opened the competition on the field.

While Mexico hosted the first official opening ceremony, the celebration will continue with additional inaugural events in the United States and Canada, reflecting the unique tri-nation nature of FIFA World Cup 2026.

With music, culture, and football united under one roof, Mexico delivered a memorable start to a tournament expected to make history.