Global pop icon Shakira took the centre stage in Mexico City as the FIFA World Cup 2026 opened with a bang. More than 80,000 fans gathered at the Estadio Azteca to watch the curtain raiser between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, which kicked off at 12:30 AM IST on Friday. A glittery opening ceremony unfolded ahead of the match, with several celebrities entertaining the huge crowd.
The glamorous event was headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy as the duo performed “Dai Dai”, the official song of the World Cup 2026. Despite all the controversies and doubts ahead of the tournament, the opening ceremony was successful, as fans watching from every corner of the globe appreciated FIFA’s efforts.
What happened at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?
The football extravaganza officially got underway in Mexico City with a vibrant opening ceremony, which celebrated the game, music and culture, featuring performances from global stars including Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Tyla and Alejandro Fernández. The show also highlighted Mexican traditions, as colourful visuals and fireworks lit up the venue ahead of the Mexico vs South Africa match.
FIFA world cup 2026 opening ceremony.#México #SomosMéxico # pic.twitter.com/Q7ZcBYLr4D
— Football World Cup 2026 (@lovestory264) June 11, 2026
How did fans react to World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?
Fans certainly enjoyed the pre-match event in Mexico City as social media was flooded with positive comments and reactions. Let’s take a look at some reactions:
Shakira & Burna Boy Perform ‘Dai Dai’ As FIFA World Cup 2026 Tournament Kicks Off With Opening Ceremony.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#Shakira has done it again🔥🔥🔥🔥#FIFAWorldCup #FifaOpenerOnZEE5 #FIFAWorldCup2026 #Burnaboy pic.twitter.com/e1KS5U9t95
— Rohit Prabhas (@RohitPrabhas9) June 11, 2026
The 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY IN ITS MAGNIFICENT GLORY! 🤯🤯🔥🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/9WjywwwFyO
— CP🇵🇹 (@UtdCitypriest) June 11, 2026
Flags of the 48 competing World Cup teams surround Italian singer Andrea Bocelli and South Korean-American singer-songwriter Ejae at the opening ceremony at the FIFA World Cup 2026 pic.twitter.com/iLuTUL7d3O
— Gabriel Daniels (@GabrielDan95) June 11, 2026
Over 90 thousand people watching Burna Boy and Shakira perform Dai Dai during opening ceremony of the FiFA World Cup in Mexico City ❤️🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/tHOf59774M
— ZAMANI (@Zamanii_0) June 11, 2026
World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony is live.. Epic Music, Fireworks & The Greatest Stadium Show Eve.. #worldcup #2026worldcup#México #BafanaMexico #fifaworldcup2026 pic.twitter.com/qBRtRi0EJ6
— Ojukwu Johnson (@Styleherbalist) June 11, 2026
FIFA has also planned opening events ahead of the Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto and the USA vs Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
