Mexico‑South Africa opening match launches FIFA World Cup 2026 at Azteca

The FIFA World Cup 2026 opened on 11 June at the Estadio Ciudad de México (Azteca). The inauguration ceremony began at 11:30 a.m. local time, featuring performances by Shakira and Burna Boy (who debuted the tournament song “Dai Dai”), as well as Belinda, J Balvin, Maná, Los Ángeles Azules, Lila Downs, Danny Ocean and South African singer Tyla. Alejandro Fernández sang the Mexican national anthem before the match. Gianni Infantino highlighted the stadium’s historic third inauguration and the event’s global reach. The first match pitted hosts Mexico against South Africa at 1:00 p.m., with Mexican coach Javier Aguirre fielding a likely line‑up of Raúl “Tala” Rangel, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez, Julián Quiñones, Roberto Alvarado and Raúl Jiménez. Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio was appointed to the game. Ticket access was managed through a Park & Ride program, while authorities prepared for protests and visa‑related issues involving officials and journalists. The opening marked the first World Cup staged across three countries (Mexico, United States, Canada) and the first venue to host three separate opening ceremonies (1970, 1986, 2026).