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The Guardian World1 min read
World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, local performers and vibrant fans
TL;DR
The 2026 World Cup has officially started in Mexico City, featuring an opening ceremony with Shakira and local performers. Fans celebrated at the Azteca stadium, marking the first World Cup in Mexico in 40 years.
Key points
- 2026 World Cup has started in Mexico City
- Opening ceremony featured Shakira and local performers
- First World Cup in Mexico in 40 years
- Fans gathered at Azteca stadium with excitement
- Challenges included renovations and cartel violence
Mentioned in this story
Mexico CityShakira
World CupAzteca stadium
The 2026 World Cup has begun in Mexico City with an opening ceremony filled with vibrant colour, local culture and a performance by global music star Shakira.
Thousands of fans arrived at the legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City with a real sense of excitement and anticipation to watch the World Cup on their home turf for the first time in 40 years.
It's been a complicated build-up, from the renovations of the airport and Azteca stadium, to protests around the event, and the cartel violence seen in Mexico only months ago.
On Thursday, those issues appeared to have been pushed to the side as football takes centre stage in Mexico.
Javier Pérez came with his family for the opener and told the BBC that the excitement now outweighs any hassles experienced up to this point.
"We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it's a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful," he said.
"I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we'll see how far we can go!"
Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside the US and Canada, with those North American teams hosting their own opening ceremonies on Friday.
Today, the focus is on Mexico's festivities. Ahead of the co-hosts match against South Africa, fans in the stadium were treated to musical performances from Shakira, Colombia's J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Latin music star Danny Ocean and Fher Olvera.
Mexican singer Fernández, who is the son of veteran crooner Vicente Fernández, sang the Mexican national anthem head of the match. And Grammy-winning South African star Tyla performed her national anthem.
Tyla, whose hits include Water and the Fifa song Game Time, will return to the World Cup stage on Friday to take part in the US opening ceremony in Los Angeles alongside Katy Perry, Future, Lisa and Anitta.
Performers in the historic stadium wore indigenous clothing, while others were dressed in all gold and held giant golden footballs above their heads.
A packed stadium of fans were dressed in their own colourful outfits, many wearing Mexico's team colours.
When the opening ceremony wrapped up and the match got under way, thousands of fans threw their sombreros into the air, ready to celebrate having the biggest tournament in football play out on home soil.
Q&A
What was featured in the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico?
The opening ceremony included vibrant local culture and a performance by global music star Shakira.
How long has it been since Mexico hosted a World Cup?
It has been 40 years since Mexico last hosted a World Cup.
What challenges did Mexico face leading up to the World Cup?
Mexico dealt with airport and stadium renovations, protests, and recent cartel violence prior to the event.
