LIVE UPDATES: World Cup 2026 opening ceremony

The curtain rises on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a spectacular opening ceremony at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, setting the stage for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa.

Scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off, the ceremony marks the official start of the biggest World Cup in history and serves as the first of a trilogy of celebrations planned across the three host nations: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

A Celebration of Mexican Culture

Fans inside the stadium and millions watching around the world can expect a vibrant showcase of Mexican heritage and tradition.

The production blends iconic cultural elements, including colourful papel picado displays and folkloric performances, with modern entertainment designed to celebrate both the host nation and the global spirit of football.

Shakira and Burna Boy Headline the Show

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening will be the performance of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, Dai Dai.

Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy are set to premiere the tournament anthem in front of a packed Estadio Azteca crowd, providing a memorable soundtrack to the start of the competition.

Star-Studded Performance Lineup

The opening ceremony will also feature an impressive collection of international and regional artists.

Among the performers expected to take the stage are J Balvin, Tyla, Belinda, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs and Los Ángeles Azules.

The diverse lineup reflects the cultural richness of the host region and the worldwide appeal of the FIFA World Cup.

Salma Hayek to Make Special Appearance

Adding further star power to the event, Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek Pinault is scheduled to appear as FIFA’s official ambassador for the tournament.

Her involvement highlights Mexico’s prominent role in hosting the competition and celebrating the return of the World Cup to North America.

Countdown to Kick-Off

Once the festivities conclude, attention will quickly turn to the pitch as hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

With football, music, and culture coming together at one of the sport’s most iconic venues, the opening ceremony promises to deliver a memorable start to a historic tournament.