‘THE WORLD CUP HADN’T EVEN STARTED… AND SHAKIRA ALREADY STOLE THE SHOW.’” The 2026 World Cup kicked off in Mexico City with a dazzling opening ceremony featuring Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Andrea Bocelli and more, turning the legendary Azteca Stadium into a global celebration. Fans called it a breathtaking start to football’s biggest tournament — but events unfolding outside the stadium had people talking too.

World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, dancing, and protests

Reuters Performers during the opening ceremony before the matchReuters

The 2026 World Cup has begun in Mexico City with an opening ceremony filled with colour, dancing 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 for the first World Cup on their home turf in 40 years.

But outside the stadium, there were sporadic violent clashes as radical protesters attempted to disrupt the event and were met by a heavy security response.

For the most part, though, football took centre stage and there were wild celebrations as Mexico kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa.

Reuters Shakira, in a short white skirt and yellow mesh top and gloves, performs with a group of dancers in similar outfitsReuters
Global superstar Shakira performs in the opening ceremony in Mexico City

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!”

Despite a heightened security presence around the 82,000-person stadium, the clashes between police and protesters temporarily shut down nearby metro stations.

Mexican officials said that nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters and clashed with law enforcement, but the situation “was brought under control” by police.

Meanwhile, teachers and families of those who have gone missing in Mexico’s drug war marched in various protests, to highlight their causes while the country is in the global spotlight.

Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside the US and Canada, with those teams hosting their own opening ceremonies on Friday.

Ahead of the match, fans in the stadium were treated to performances from Shakira, Colombia’s J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy and Latin music star Danny Ocean.

Mexican singer-songwriter Fher Olvera of the pop punk band Maná took the stage to sing the classic Oye Mi Amor.

Will Grant / BBC Javier Pérez and his family, wearing Mexico jerseys as they stand in front of the Azteca stadium and give the thumbs up to the camera.Will Grant / BBC
Javier Pérez and his family in front of the Azteca stadium
Getty Images Fireworks display in the colours of the Mexican flag light up the edge of the open stadium roof during the Opening Ceremony. A massive golden mock World Cup trophy is on the pitch. Getty Images
Reuters Dancers in colourful traditional Mexican dresses perform at the opening ceremony.Reuters

“Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico,” a performer announced to start the tournament.

“We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations.”

Performers wore indigenous clothing, while others were dressed in all gold and held giant golden footballs above their heads.

A packed stadium of fans dressed in their own colourful outfits, many wearing Mexico’s team colours.

Getty Images Tyla, in a blue and white stripped dress, sings into a microphone in front of performers in green, red, blue and yellow outfits. Getty Images
Tyla sings the South African national anthem
Reuters Mexico fans, dressed in green jerseys, smile and wave signs and flags inside the stadium before the match Reuters
Reuters Performers during the opening ceremony before the matchReuters

Tyla sings South African national anthem

Opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop singer Ejae performed the tournament’s official anthem DNA, which was officially released on Wednesday.

Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández, who is the son of veteran crooner Vicente Fernández, sang the Mexican national anthem in unison with many of the 80,000 fans.

Grammy-winning South African star Tyla performed her nation’s anthem.

Tyla, whose hits include the song 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.

Fifa has tapped a bevy of global artists for the ceremonies, several of whom are featured on the 18-song Official Fifa World Cup 2026 Album.

Getty Images Colombian singer and producer J Balvin performs during the opening ceremonyGetty Images
Colombian singer and producer J Balvin performs during the opening ceremony
Reuters Performers during the opening ceremony before the match REUTERSReuters
AFP via Getty Images This view shows the Mexican and South African flags during the opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico CityAFP via Getty Images
AFP via Getty Images Italian singer Andrea Bocelli and South Korean-American singer and songwriter Ejae perform during the opening ceremonyAFP via Getty Images
Andrea Bocelli and Ejae
AFP via Getty Images Mexican Air Force helicopters with a Mexican flag fly over the opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South AfricaAFP via Getty Images

Additional reporting from Elizabeth Conway, BBC Sport at the Azteca Stadium.

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