MEXICO CITY — Shakira, Burna Boy and J Balvin headlined a star-studded opening ceremony for FIFA World Cup 2026 before more than 80,000 fans at the revamped Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Thursday.
The performances set the stage for the opening match between co-host Mexico and South Africa as the first-ever 48-team World Cup officially got underway.
The colorful ceremony featured music, entertainment and celebrations reflecting the tournament’s global appeal, with supporters from around the world filling the iconic stadium ahead of kickoff.
This photo gallery captures some of the standout moments from the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City.
Artists peforms during the pre-game show before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Artists peforms during the pre-game show before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Mexican actor Selma Hayek speaks during the pre-game show before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean singer EJAE are performing during the pre-game show before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Recording artists Shakira and Burna Boy peform during the pre-game show before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Venezuelan singer-songwriter Danny Ocean performs during the pre-game show before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
A supporter of South Africa looks on before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Fans of Mexico cheer before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Artists peforms during the pre-game show before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Artists peforms during the pre-game show before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. — EPA
Source: Saudi Gazette