World Cup 2026 Kicks Off with a Spectacular Ceremony in Mexico City

A Grand Opening at Azteca Stadium

Mexico City: The World Cup commenced on Thursday at the iconic Azteca Stadium, featuring a vibrant ceremony that honored pre-Hispanic culture. The atmosphere was electric as fans dressed in Mariachi outfits, complete with sombreros and trumpets, created a wave of dark green support for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, set against a backdrop of protests throughout the city. Shakira and Burna Boy took the stage to perform the official anthem, while dazzling pyrotechnics lit up the venue. As Shakira concluded her performance, smoke bombs filled the air with red, white, and green hues, representing the colors of the Mexican flag.

In a historic first for FIFA, this World Cup will feature not just one, but three opening ceremonies. The initial ceremony took place at Mexico City Stadium, also known as Banorte Stadium, followed by the first of three opening matches.

On June 12, two additional ceremonies will occur simultaneously at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and BMO Field in Toronto. FIFA President Gianni Infantino remarked, “Beginning in Mexico City and continuing with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will unite music, culture, and football, showcasing the uniqueness of each nation while highlighting the unity that characterizes this tournament.”

The lead-up to the tournament in Mexico, co-hosted with the US and Canada, has been marked by social unrest, with various groups, including teachers and families of those affected by the drug war, marching to draw attention to their causes. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see an expanded format with 48 teams participating, an increase from 32 in 2022. The knockout stage will commence with the Round of 32, allowing the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams to advance.