The opening ceremony of the World Cup in Mexico City featured electrifying performances from international stars. Shakira stood out with her rendition of ‘Dai Dai’, the tournament’s official song, alongside Burna Boy. Known for her previous hit, ‘Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)’, Shakira emphasized the importance of a World Cup song having rhythm and being an anthem for fans.
Shakira has a history of World Cup performances, having participated in 2006, 2010, and 2014. She is set to perform again at the World Cup final halftime show in New Jersey, sharing the stage with Madonna and BTS, as Mexico, the United States, and Canada host the 48-team tournament.
Welcome Message
Lila Downs greeted fans and players in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Mixtec, and Nahuatl. Dressed in a traditional huipil, she spoke of Mexico’s diversity and heritage, expressing pride in her country’s culture. A singer-songwriter with a rich cultural background, she celebrated representing Mexico during the ceremony.
Maná and Los Ángeles Azules Perform
The band Maná energized the crowd with ‘Oye Mi Amor’, accompanied by pre-Hispanic dancers. They announced an upcoming tour across Latin America, visiting cities like Bogotá and Buenos Aires.
Los Ángeles Azules, a Mexican cumbia group, performed ‘Por Ella’ with Belinda, adding vibrant energy to the event. Originating from Iztapalapa, their performance resonated with local pride, displaying their slogan ‘From Iztapalapa to the world!’
J Balvin brought a lively performance with ‘Que Calor’, followed by collaborations with Ryan Castro. Danny Ocean also contributed with ‘Partidazo’, featuring dancers in modernized Jalisco attire.
Salma Hayek and Global Ambassadors
Actress Salma Hayek welcomed attendees with a brief speech, celebrating Mexico’s role in hosting the World Cup. Known as an enthusiastic soccer fan, she highlighted the unity soccer brings worldwide and has taken on the role of ambassador for the 2026 World Cup.
International Music Collaboration
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean singer EJAE, with DJ David Guetta, performed ‘DNA’, the tournament’s anthem, during the flag parade. Bocelli recently performed for large audiences in Mexico City’s Zócalo, while EJAE is recognized for her work in ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and the Oscar-winning song from an animated film.
National Anthems
Performances of the national anthems preceded the kickoff. Tyla and Alejandro Fernandez took charge of representing South Africa and Mexico, respectively. Tyla, a Grammy winner, continues to build her musical success, while Fernandez’s roots in regional Mexican music remain strong.