The Estadio Azteca, or technically ‘Mexico City Stadium’ for this competition, has a rich World Cup history, as the venue for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals – Image: David Leah/firo Sportphoto/picture alliance
Co-hosts Mexico and South Africa kick off the largest World Cup ever in Mexico City following the opening ceremony in the renowned Estadio Azteca. It marks the start of 39 days of action across the three countries Mexico, USA and Canada.
The World Cup opening ceremony began at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, marking the countdown to the opening group game between Mexico and South Africa.
Latin music and dance numbers gravitated around a massive model of the World Cup trophy in the center of the pitch, ahead of 104 matches over the next 39 days, building to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Shakira, Burna Boy and a troupe of dancers took center stage in the ceremony – Image: Kai Pfaffenbach/REUTERS
In the highlight of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai” — an Italian slang term meaning “come on” or “give it your all” — the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.
Who is playing on opening night?
Mexico vs South Africa is the one and only fixture taking place on opening day, one arguably rare example of a World Cup tradition that has endured for the first ever competition involving 48 teams.
A vast model of the World Cup trophy was placed in the center of the stadium for the ceremony – Image: Kai Pfaffenbach/REUTERS
Police were out in force in the Mexican capital, not least around the outdoor viewing area in the city center, where there were reports of scuffles as people tried to funnel into the crowded site in the run-up to the game.
The teams came onto the pitch to cheers from the sellout crowd almost an hour before kickoff was scheduled.
Cape Verde at the World Cup: Small country dreaming big – Watch Video
Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks will make their historic debut in the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 15 June.
DW.com/NAN 12-06-26
You might also like:
SPORTS: Why the 2026 World Cup is so controversial
The 2026 World Cup has come under fire even before kickoff. Criticism is mounting over US President Donald Trump’s travel bans, high ticket prices, the expansion to 48 teams as well as its environmental impact. The 2026 men’s World Cup will be held in the more…
