World Cup opening ceremony starts in Mexico City

The opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup began in the Estadio Azteca on Thursday ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

The 48-team tournament is also being hosted by the United States and Canada and will feature 104 games, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19.

In the highlight of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed "Dai Dai", the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.