Shakira and Burna Boy headline 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony

Shakira and Burna Boy got the party started with an electric performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday.

Following a fireworks display, the Colombian superstar and Nigerian artist took to the stage at the Estadio Azteca in front of an enormous replica of the World Cup trophy.

Surrounded by backup dancers, the pair delivered an energetic rendition of Dai Dai - the official song for this year's competition.

Following the performance, plumes of red and green smoke erupted from the top of the stadium, a nod to the colours of the Mexican flag.

The opening ceremony also featured Mexican rock band Maná, singers Belinda and Lila Downs, Colombian star J Balvin, and Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean.

In addition, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Korean-American singer Ejae, and DJ David Guetta offered up a performance of DNA (More Than a Game), the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

And before the match between Mexico and South Africa kicked off, Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández performed the Himno Nacional Mexicano and South African singer Tyla sang her country's national anthem.

Reflecting on the touches of Mexican culture woven through the production, a FIFA representative explained the concept was inspired by the art of papel picado, a "powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy".

"For both the spectators inside the Mexico City Stadium and the global television audience, the mix of indigenous talent and modern folkloric performers proved a powerful way to kick off this World Cup finals tournament," a spokesperson commented. "The ceremony also featured a parade of flags of the competing nations and concluded with an explosion of fireworks as the long wait for the FIFA World Cup 2026 finally came to an end."

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by 16 cities - 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada - two further opening ceremonies will take place on Friday.

One will be held at BMO Field in Toronto and will feature Alessia Cara, Alanis Morissette, and Michael Bublé.

Another will be staged at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and feature artists like Katy Perry, rapper Future, Blackpink star Lisa, and country duo Dan + Shay.