Luis Miguel's heart surgery sidelines him from World Cup 2026 opening

Mexican singer Luis Miguel, 56, is undergoing a planned heart operation at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. The procedure was successful and he remains in recovery under close observation, accompanied by his partner Paloma Cuevas.

Because of the surgery, Luis Miguel was unable to travel to the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. He had been slated to sing the Mexican national anthem, a role that was filled by Alejandro Fernández instead. Fans expressed concern over his health, recalling his last concert on 3 November 2024 in Mexico City, which drew over 60,000 attendees.