Key facts
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony was held at the Estadio Ciudad de México.
- International stars including Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli, and Salma Hayek performed.
- Shakira performed the official World Cup song "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy.
- Lila Downs welcomed attendees in multiple languages, including indigenous ones.
- Salma Hayek delivered a speech, highlighting Mexico's honor in hosting the event.
- Andrea Bocelli and EJAE performed the official anthem "DNA" with David Guetta.
The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place at the Estadio Ciudad de México, featuring a lineup of international and Mexican artists. Colombian superstar Shakira opened the event with "Dai Dai," the official song of the tournament, alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy. She expressed her desire for the song to be a rhythmic anthem that makes people want to dance and sing along, drawing parallels to her past successful World Cup songs.
Mexican singer Lila Downs welcomed the global audience in Spanish, English, and indigenous languages, expressing pride in her country's diversity and heritage. The rock band Maná electrified the stadium with their hit "Oye mi amor," accompanied by pre-Hispanic dancers. Mexican cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules performed "Por Ella" with Belinda, a track from the official World Cup album, highlighting their roots from Iztapalapa. J Balvin delivered an energetic performance, and Danny Ocean presented his collaboration "Partidazo."
Hollywood star Salma Hayek, a known football fan and ambassador for the 2026 World Cup, delivered a brief welcome speech, emphasizing Mexico's honor in hosting the tournament's start. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean star EJAE, accompanied by DJ David Guetta, performed "DNA," the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem. The ceremony also included performances of the national anthems of South Africa by Tyla and Mexico by Alejandro Fernández.