The 2026 World Cup opened at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with a colourful ceremony featuring Shakira and J Balvin; Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 amid sporadic clashes between protesters and police.
The 2026 World Cup opened in Mexico City with a colourful, high-energy ceremony at the legendary Azteca Stadium and a performance by global star Shakira. Thousands of fans packed the 82,000‑seat venue, experiencing their country’s first World Cup on home soil in 40 years and celebrating as Mexico opened its campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa
Onstage entertainment showcased international and regional talent including Shakira, Colombia’s J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Latin pop artist Danny Ocean and Mexican singer‑songwriter Fher Olvera of Maná with performers wearing indigenous clothing and elaborate gold costumes that highlighted Mexico’s cultural heritage. Announcers welcomed the world: “Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico,” and organisers emphasized the tournament’s theme of unity and national pride.
Outside the stadium the tournament faced disruption from sporadic violent clashes after radical protesters split from larger demonstrations. Mexican officials said nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of about 800 protesters and clashed with police, temporarily forcing the closure of nearby metro stations. Authorities said the situation was brought under control, and a heightened security presence remained around the venue. Other peaceful demonstrations also took place, including marches by teachers and families of those missing in Mexico’s drug war, who used the global spotlight to press their causes.
Inside Azteca the mood was celebratory. Fans like Javier Pérez, who attended with his family, said the experience outweighed earlier hassles: “I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful,” he told the BBC. Mexican supporters filled the stadium in colourful outfits and national colours, singing and cheering as their team secured a strong start to the tournament.
Mexico is co‑hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada; each host nation staged opening‑day ceremonies. The Mexico City launch combined pageantry, music and passionate fandom tempered by security challenges setting the tone for a tournament expected to deliver intense drama both on and off the pitch.
