Shakira dazzles and leaves the world speechless at the World Cup opening ceremony
he 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off in North America with a spectacular opening ceremony in Mexico City, where Shakira took center stage in front of a packed and roaring crowd.
The tournament, the biggest in history with an expanded 48-team format, arrives amid a mix of excitement and pressure across the host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At the iconic Estadio Azteca, fans gathered hours early, turning the stadium into a sea of colour and anticipation as the world prepared for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
The ceremony itself was an entertainment showcase, blending global music and cultural celebration. Shakira teamed up with Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the official song of the tournament, delivering a high-energy performance that electrified the stadium.
Dancers flooded the pitch in coordinated waves of movement, while a dramatic golden World Cup trophy structure rose from the center of the field. Shakira, dressed in a neon outfit, mixed her signature hip-driven choreography with live accompaniment from a mariachi band.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was euphoric, with thousands singing and dancing along, though international viewers in the United States were surprised when Fox chose not to air the ceremony live, instead cutting to studio commentary. Other broadcasters, however, carried the full spectacle.
A continent-wide celebration marking a new era for football
Beyond Mexico, the World Cup’s opening festivities are unfolding across two more host nations, each staging its own version of a launch celebration.
In Canada, Toronto’s newly expanded BMO Field will host the national team’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The pre-match ceremony will feature some of Canada’s biggest music names, including Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, and Michael Bublé.
Organisers have described the event as both a sporting and cultural milestone, designed to showcase Canada on the world stage while energising fans ahead of kickoff.
In the United States, attention shifts to Los Angeles, where the USMNT begins its campaign against Paraguay.
The city’s opening ceremony promises a similarly star-studded lineup, with Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla all scheduled to perform before the match.
FIFA has emphasised that the multi-city format reflects the cultural diversity of the host nations and the global reach of football, with celebrations designed to connect music and sport.
This year’s tournament represents a major turning point for the sport, not only because of its expanded structure but also because it is the first time three countries have jointly hosted the competition.
With 11 cities involved and millions of fans expected to travel, the logistics are as ambitious as the football itself.
