Shakira Steals the Spotlight at 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony Amid Chaos in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY — The 2026 FIFA World Cup roared to life on Thursday at the iconic Estadio Azteca, with Colombian superstar Shakira delivering a show-stopping performance that left thousands of fans in awe — even as scenes of chaos outside the stadium painted a stark contrast to the spectacle on the pitch.
Before the first ball was kicked, Shakira, joined by Nigerian artist Burna Boy, performed Dai Dai, the tournament’s official anthem, igniting the crowd with her signature high-energy moves. Wearing a neon yellow bodysuit paired with a white miniskirt, the singer commanded the center stage, surrounded by hundreds of dancers in a kaleidoscope of colors. A traditional Mexican mariachi band added cultural depth, while a massive gold replica of the World Cup trophy erupted from the stage, punctuating the spectacle with dramatic flair.
A Star-Studded Lineup

The ceremony also featured performances by Latin American and global stars, including Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana, and Tyla. J Balvin brought his dynamic energy alongside Ryan Castro, while Mexican pop-rock legends Mana warmed up the stadium with their classic hits. FIFA ambassador and actress Salma Hayek officially opened the tournament, delivering a brief welcome before joining FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the stands.
The national anthems were performed by South African singer Tyla and American-born, Mexican-proud reggaeton artist Becky G, adding layers of global representation to the opening festivities.
Fan Frenzy Outside the Stadium
While the stadium dazzled, tensions erupted in the Zócalo plaza fan zone. Thousands of supporters, many in red-and-green attire, sequined sombreros, and luchador masks, clashed with security barriers erected to prevent protests. Reports of pushing, shouting, and water bottles thrown escalated just over an hour before kickoff. City officials repeatedly warned, “Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” Ultimately, authorities declared the fan zone full and directed visitors to other locations.
On the Pitch

Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, echoing the historic 2010 opening match between the same teams. The win set an energetic tone for what is shaping up to be the largest World Cup in history, spanning matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Broadcast Controversy

American viewers, however, were left frustrated as Fox, the official U.S. broadcaster, failed to air the ceremony live. Social media quickly filled with complaints from fans eager to see Shakira’s performance, her signature dance moves, and the elaborate pageantry unfold in real time. Clips of the performance quickly went viral, highlighting the global interest and demand for the spectacle.
A Historic Kickoff

Despite the chaos outside the stadium and the broadcast hiccups in the U.S., the opening ceremony proved why the World Cup is the pinnacle of sport and entertainment. Shakira’s return to World Cup stages, nearly two decades after her 2010 performance, brought together music, culture, and football in a celebration that will be remembered as one of the most visually stunning and energetic openings in tournament history.
From the dazzling choreography on the pitch to the passionate, albeit chaotic, crowds in the city’s plazas, the 2026 World Cup has officially arrived — and Shakira ensured that fans everywhere, whether in the stadium or watching online, will remember the start of this historic tournament.