Shakira, Burna Boy dazzle at World Cup opening

Shakira Burna Boy World Cup opening performance thrilled fans in Mexico City as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially got underway

Colombian music superstar Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy delivered a spectacular performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, thrilling thousands of fans at the historic Estadio Azteca ahead of the tournament’s opening match between Mexico national football team and South Africa national football team.

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The duo performed “Dai Dai”, the tournament’s official anthem, in what proved to be the centrepiece of a colourful celebration marking the start of football’s biggest event.

The ceremony also featured performances from celebrated Mexican artists, including Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs and Belinda.

A vibrant display of music, dance and pyrotechnics transformed the stadium as performers danced around a giant replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy while fireworks illuminated the night sky above the renovated 80,000-capacity venue.

The Estadio Azteca further cemented its place in football history by becoming the first stadium to host World Cup matches across three separate tournaments.

The iconic arena previously staged the finals of the 1970 FIFA World Cup and the 1986 FIFA World Cup, tournaments immortalised by legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona.

Thursday’s ceremony also marked another milestone as Mexico became the first country to host the FIFA World Cup on three occasions.

The 2026 tournament is itself historic, becoming the first edition to feature 48 teams. Co-hosted by Mexico, United States and Canada, the competition will comprise 104 matches before concluding with the final in New Jersey on July 19.

While celebrations dominated inside the stadium, authorities faced crowd management challenges outside.

Thousands of supporters attempted to enter the official fan zone at Zócalo Plaza, leading to congestion and disorder as access was restricted by barriers erected amid ongoing teachers’ protests.

Some supporters reportedly threw water bottles and exchanged verbal confrontations with police officers, while others chanted in support of the Mexican national team.

Local authorities later announced that the fan zone had reached capacity and directed spectators to alternative viewing locations across the city.

Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum, who had been expected to attend the fan zone, cast doubt over her appearance following several days of demonstrations by teachers demanding higher wages.

Adding a notable sporting storyline to the occasion, Mexico named 17-year-old Gilberto Mora among the substitutes, making him the youngest player participating in the tournament.

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The opening ceremony underscored the global appeal of the World Cup, blending football, culture and entertainment as millions of viewers around the world turned their attention to Mexico City for the start of a landmark competition.

Victory Emmanuel