Key facts
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun with an opening ceremony in Mexico City.
- The opening ceremony celebrated Mexican culture with Indigenous performers and artists.
- Musical acts including Shakira, J Balvin, and Burna Boy performed.
- The tournament's first match is between cohosts Mexico and South Africa.
- The 48-team tournament is expected to earn a record $13bn for FIFA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun with an opening ceremony in Mexico City, followed by the tournament's inaugural match between cohosts Mexico and South Africa. The ceremony celebrated Mexican culture through Indigenous performers, contemporary folklore, and traditional art forms, with musical artists including Shakira, J Balvin, and Burna Boy performing. The 48-team tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa kicked off at 1pm local time (19:00 GMT). FIFA expects to earn a record $13bn from the event. Team news for both participating nations was expected to follow the ceremony, with Raul Jimenez starting for Mexico.