Shakira and Burna Boy headline World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened on 12 June at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca with a colourful ceremony that featured Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats artist Burna Boy performing the official tournament song “Dai Dai”. The show included Mexican artists such as Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs, Belinda, J Balvin and Danny Ocean, a giant replica of the World Cup trophy, fireworks and traditional Papel Picado decorations.

As the first World Cup ever hosted by three countries, separate opening events were also staged in the United States (Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium) and Canada (Toronto’s BMO Field). The U.S. ceremony featured Katy Perry, Future, Lisa of Blackpink and Brazilian singer Anitta, while the Canadian show was headlined by Michael Bublé with Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette among the lineup.

Outside the stadium, authorities reported clashes between police and protesters as fans crowded the Zócalo fan zone. Social‑media speculation also surrounded Shakira’s performance, with some users claiming a body double was used; the artist later posted a message urging peace and unity for the tournament.