Mexico hosts spectacular opening ceremony for 2026 World Cup - VIDEO

Held at the iconic Estadio Azteca, which will also stage the tournament’s opening match, the event celebrated Mexico’s history and culture through a large-scale artistic performance.

The ceremony began with Mexican dancers portraying Aztec figures, highlighting the country's heritage. Organizers also paid tribute to an ancient ball game believed by some historians to be a precursor to modern football. A giant replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy was displayed at the center of the stadium.

FIFA world cup 2026 opening ceremony. pic.twitter.com/HLDHt67ZaC

— Worldly (@WorldlyHQ) June 11, 2026

The show featured performances by internationally renowned artists, including Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Maná, Tyla and Alejandro Fernández.

The ceremony concluded with a fireworks display ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Additional pre-match performances are expected from David Guetta and Andrea Bocelli.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being hosted jointly by United States, Mexico and Canada, the first time in the tournament’s history that three countries are serving as co-hosts. Additional opening ceremonies are scheduled for June 12 in Toronto and June 13 in Los Angeles.