Shakira and Burna Boy performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 8 [1].
The event marked the official launch of the tournament, utilizing the global stage to blend international pop stardom with traditional Mexican cultural elements. By hosting the ceremony at a historic venue, FIFA aimed to celebrate the host nation's participation and heritage.
The festivities took place at Estadio Azteca, a venue with a capacity of 87,523 seats [2]. The production featured traditional Mexican papel picado, and folkloric artistry to complement the musical acts [3]. BBC Sport said Shakira performed the official song for the 2026 World Cup during the event [4].
While some reports initially focused on Shakira, Sporting News said that fans could expect a vibrant show featuring both Shakira and Burna Boy [3]. The musical performances served as the prelude to the tournament's first game.
The opening match featured the national teams of Mexico and South Africa. The game kicked off at 7 p.m. local time [2]. This match served as the competitive start to the global competition, bringing together two nations from different continents in the heart of Mexico City.
FIFA officials oversaw the proceedings to ensure the transition from the cultural showcase to the sporting event remained seamless. The ceremony emphasized a theme of global unity through the pairing of artists from Colombia and Nigeria performing in Mexico.
“Shakira will perform the official song for the 2026 World Cup at the opening ceremony in Mexico City.”
The selection of Estadio Azteca and the inclusion of diverse global artists reflect FIFA's strategy to emphasize the 2026 tournament's expanded international reach. By pairing a Latin pop icon with an Afrobeats star in a Mexican venue, the organizers signaled a shift toward a more inclusive, multi-continental cultural identity for the World Cup brand.
