World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico features Shakira and Czech squad

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico with an official opening ceremony at the Aztec stadium in Guadalajara. International pop star Shakira performed, marking a high‑profile start to the tournament. Czech Republic’s national team arrived for its first match in twenty years, facing South Korea, and was seen alongside federation officials and former players. Czech conditioning coach Pavel Čvančara warned that the hot, high‑altitude conditions could challenge the squad’s preparation. The event drew massive crowds, with fans from Mexico, the Czech Republic and other nations gathering in long lines outside the stadium.

Ticket‑selling partner Fortuna promoted striker Patrik Schick as its ambassador, while local restaurants prepared special menus for fans watching the Czech debut. The ceremony and matches are expected to attract billions of viewers worldwide, signalling a major moment for football and the host country.