FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off in Mexico with Shakira Performance and Victory Amid Street Protests
MEXICO CITY — The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup officially got underway on Thursday at the iconic Azteca Stadium, blending a star-studded, high-energy opening ceremony with intense soccer action and undercurrents of local political unrest.
Marking the first time Mexico has hosted the tournament in 40 years, the 82,000-capacity venue was a sea of vibrant color as home fans celebrated a dream start to their campaign.
Mexico secured a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa to kick off the month-long tournament on the right foot.
Global Stars Illuminate the Stage
Before the opening whistle blew, a dazzling pre-match ceremony showcased Mexico's rich cultural heritage alongside an array of international musical icons.
Performers dressed in traditional indigenous attire shared the stage with dancers clad in gold holding massive golden soccer balls.
The musical lineup featured some of the biggest names in the global industry:
Headliners: Colombian pop icon Shakira delivered a standout performance, alongside fellow Latin music stars J Balvin and Danny Ocean, and Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy.
National Anthems: South African Grammy winner Tyla performed her country's national anthem, while Alejandro Fernández led a roaring rendition of the Mexican anthem accompanied by over 80,000 fans.
Official Anthem: Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli paired up with K-pop artist Ejae to debut "DNA," the tournament's official anthem.
The global festivities are set to continue on Friday, with co-hosts Canada and the United States staging their own respective opening ceremonies. Pop star Tyla is slated to fly to Los Angeles to join Katy Perry, Future, Lisa, and Anitta for the US opener.
Clashes and Protests Outside the Gates
While the atmosphere inside the stadium was overwhelmingly celebratory, the surrounding streets of Mexico City told a different story. Heavy security forces were deployed to manage multiple demonstrations aimed at leveraging the World Cup’s global media spotlight.
Marchers included local teachers' unions and advocacy groups representing families of individuals who have disappeared during Mexico's ongoing drug war.
According to local authorities, the peace was disrupted when a radical faction of approximately 200 hooded individuals split from the main protest groups and clashed violently with police. The skirmishes temporarily forced the closure of nearby metro stations before law enforcement was able to bring the situation under control.
Despite the outside disruptions, fans inside remained focused on the historic nature of the tournament. "It's a unique experience," local fan Javier Pérez told reporters, reflecting the sentiment of thousands who came to see their nation make history on the world stage.
