Shakira Lights Up Mexico City as 2026 World Cup Opens With Music, Fireworks and Drama

Last Updated on June 12, 2026 by Bella

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off in Mexico City, and the opening night delivered everything fans expected from a global sporting celebration: star power, music, fireworks, dancing, national pride, and plenty of emotion.

At the center of the ceremony was Shakira, who brought her signature energy to the stage at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium. The Colombian superstar performed in front of thousands of fans as the tournament opened in Mexico, marking the country’s first time hosting World Cup action on home soil in 40 years.

The opening ceremony celebrated Mexican culture with colorful costumes, traditional dance, music, and powerful visuals. Performers filled the stadium with movement and rhythm, while fans dressed in Mexico’s team colors turned the venue into a sea of green, white and red.

Shakira Leads a Star-Studded Opening Ceremony

Shakira was one of the biggest names on the night, and her appearance instantly became one of the most talked-about moments from the opening ceremony. Known for her long association with World Cup music and performances, the singer once again proved why she remains one of football’s most loved global performers.

The ceremony also featured several international artists, including J Balvin, Burna Boy, Danny Ocean, and Mexican singer Fher Olvera from the band Maná.

Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli and Korean-American singer-songwriter Ejae also performed the tournament’s official anthem, “DNA.” Their performance added a more emotional and cinematic touch to the ceremony, balancing the high-energy pop and dance segments.

South African star Tyla performed her country’s national anthem before the opening match. She is also expected to appear at the United States opening ceremony in Los Angeles, where several other major artists are scheduled to perform.

Mexico Opens the Tournament With a 2-0 Win

After the music and fireworks, football took over.

Mexico began their World Cup campaign with a strong 2-0 victory over South Africa, giving the home crowd exactly the start they were hoping for. The win sparked huge celebrations inside the stadium as fans cheered their national team’s first step in the tournament.

For many supporters, the match was more than just a game. It was a once-in-a-generation moment to witness the World Cup return to Mexico.

Families, lifelong football fans and international visitors gathered at the stadium to be part of the opening night. The atmosphere reflected the scale of the occasion, with fans describing the event as unforgettable.

Celebrations Outside the Stadium Were Met With Protests

While the event inside the stadium was full of celebration, the scene outside was more tense.

Reports said that groups of protesters gathered near the stadium, with some clashes breaking out between demonstrators and security forces. Nearby metro stations were temporarily affected as authorities responded to the situation.

Some of the protests were connected to wider social issues in Mexico, including teachers’ demands and families seeking attention for people who have disappeared during the country’s long-running drug-related violence.

Despite the tension outside, officials said the situation was eventually brought under control.

Mexico, US and Canada Share Hosting Duties

The 2026 World Cup is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, making it one of the biggest tournaments in FIFA history.

Mexico had the honor of launching the competition first, while the US and Canada are also set to hold their own opening events. The tournament is expected to attract massive global attention, not only for the football but also for its music, culture and celebrity appearances.

FIFA has brought together a major lineup of global performers for this year’s tournament, with several artists also featured on the official World Cup album.

A Big Night for Football and Pop Culture

The opening night in Mexico City showed once again how closely football and entertainment are now connected. A World Cup ceremony is no longer just a sporting event. It is a global pop culture moment.

With Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Tyla, Andrea Bocelli and other major names involved, the 2026 World Cup began with the kind of spectacle designed to reach far beyond football fans.

For Mexico, the night was even more special. The tournament returned with color, pride and a winning start for the home team.

And for Shakira, it was another reminder that when the World Cup stage lights up, she knows exactly how to own the moment.