NEW DELHI: The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially got underway on Thursday in Mexico City, with a high-energy opening ceremony led by global music icon Shakira, as the tournament kicked off amid what was described as a chaotic backdrop, raising concerns around the event’s build-up.
Shakira, alongside Burna Boy, performed “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during a visually rich ceremony staged at the centre of the pitch. The Colombian singer appeared in a neon yellow bodysuit paired with a white miniskirt, leading a large ensemble of hundreds of dancers in a choreographed performance that lit up the stadium, according to reports.
The show unfolded at a packed Estadio Azteca, where fans reacted enthusiastically as Shakira delivered her signature dance routines, later joined by a traditional Mexican mariachi band. A dramatic visual centrepiece featured a massive golden replica of the World Cup trophy rising from the ground, surrounded by performers in vibrant costumes.
The ceremony also brought together a wide lineup of global artists, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla, all of whom are part of the official FIFA World Cup music album. J Balvin, one of Latin America’s most prominent stars, performed with Ryan Castro before Shakira took the stage, while Maná energized the home crowd with their classic hits earlier in the programme.
Mexican actress and FIFA ambassador Salma Hayek formally declared the tournament open. South African singer Tyla performed her country’s national anthem before kickoff, while Becky G was seen attending the event in support of Mexico, reflecting her cultural roots.
Large crowds had gathered outside the stadium hours before kickoff as Mexico hosted the World Cup for a record third time, marking a festive yet high-pressure start to the tournament.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico began their Group A campaign with a commanding 2–0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The co-hosts made an early breakthrough when Julián Quiñones scored in the 9th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to put Mexico ahead and send the home crowd into celebration.
South Africa struggled to recover as Mexico controlled possession and tempo throughout the first half. The breakthrough was followed by disciplined defending and sustained attacking pressure from the hosts.
The second goal arrived in the 67th minute, when Raúl Jiménez rose to meet a cross and powered a header past the South African goalkeeper, doubling Mexico’s advantage and effectively sealing the contest.
The match turned increasingly tense in the second half, with disciplinary issues dominating the narrative. South Africa were reduced to nine men after Sphephelo Sithole (second half) was shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, followed by Themba Zwane (84th minute) being dismissed after a VAR review for violent conduct. Mexico also ended the match with a red card when César Montes was sent off in stoppage time following an aggressive challenge.
