Estadio Azteca
Mexico City, Mexico — The World’s Most Historic Football Stadium
Ceremony Start
11:30am CST
Opening Match
Mexico vs South Africa
Estadio Azteca becomes the only venue in history to host World Cup opening matches across three different tournaments — 1970, 1986, and now 2026. At 87,523 capacity and 2,200m altitude, this is the most atmospheric opening stage in football history.
Why It Matters
A Historic Opening
The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony carries unprecedented significance. This is the first tournament to feature 48 teams across 104 matches in three nations simultaneously. Mexico’s Estadio Azteca cements its status as the greatest football venue on earth.
- Third Tournament: Azteca becomes the only venue to host opening matches across three World Cups — a record that can never be broken.
- 48-Team Expansion: First FIFA World Cup with 48 nations competing across 104 matches.
- Continental Celebration: Canada, Mexico and USA jointly host, creating an unprecedented North American festival.
- Simultaneous Ceremonies: For the first time, all three host nations run opening celebrations on the same weekend.
Confirmed Performers
The Lineup
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Official Song
Shakira & Burna Boy — “Dai Dai”
“Dai Dai” is the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Song, released in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund — aiming to raise USD 100 million by tournament end to give children worldwide access to quality education and football opportunities.
The music video — shot in Miami and directed by Hannah Lux Davis — features Shakira at Mexico City’s Angel of Independence, dancing in desert landscapes alongside African children, and the reveal of Burna Boy. It captures the energy, passion, and global spirit that defines the World Cup.
For Shakira, this marks a triumphant return to football’s biggest stage. Her 2010 anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became the tournament’s defining song. She will also co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show on July 19 alongside Madonna and BTS at MetLife Stadium.
Three Nations, One Tournament
Opening Ceremonies Across North America
For the first time in World Cup history, all three host nations host opening celebrations:
🇲🇽 Mexico City — June 11
Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Tyla and more headline at Estadio Azteca before Mexico face South Africa at 1pm CST.
🇨🇦 Toronto — June 12
Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette headline at BMO Field before Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina.
🇺🇸 Los Angeles — June 12
Katy Perry and Future perform at SoFi Stadium before the USA face Paraguay.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico — the only venue in history to host World Cup opening matches across three tournaments.
When does the opening ceremony start?
June 11, 2026. The ceremony begins at approximately 11:30am CST, followed by Mexico vs South Africa at 1pm CST.
Who is performing at the opening ceremony?
Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Tyla, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Belinda, and Danny Ocean.
What is the official World Cup 2026 song?
“Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy is the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Song, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
What is the opening match?
Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, kicking off at 1pm CST.
What makes 2026 unique?
48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations (Canada, Mexico, USA), and the first-ever World Cup Final Halftime Show featuring Shakira, Madonna, and BTS at MetLife Stadium on July 19.