World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico features Shakira, followed by a home team victory

The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup got underway with the first of three opening ceremonies in Mexico on Thursday, with a tribute to the co-host nation's Indigenous cultures and pop performances to help launch the biggest World Cup ever.

The festivities got underway a little over an hour before the first kickoff in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. Fittingly, it began with a dance routine highlighting Aztec culture. Mexican rock band Maná then took the stage to perform "Oye Mi Amor," followed by performances from Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules, J Balvin and more.

Then it was time for Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy to perform "Dai Dai," the official anthem of this year's tournament, which they also co-wrote.

Following the opening ceremony, the tournament got underway with Mexico taking on South Africa in the first Group A matchup. Mexico won 2-0, thrilling the home crowd.

Two more opening ceremonies are scheduled in the two other host countries: Canada and the United States.

Canada's ceremony is set for Friday in Toronto, prior to the match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field. That ceremony will include performances from Canadian icons like Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé.

The United States gets the third opening ceremony, also scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET — about 90 minutes before the U.S. Men's National Team plays Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. That show will feature performances from Katy Perry, Future, Anitta and more in Los Angeles.

Kiki Intarasuwan contributed to this report.