World Cup 2026 opening ceremony held in Mexico city

The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was held in the Mexican capital Mexico City.

According to Report, the event took place at the iconic Estadio Azteca, which will also host the tournament's opening match.

The ceremony began with Mexican dancers portraying Aztec figures in a large-scale performance showcasing the history of the country. According to one version, local people invented a ball game-considered a precursor to modern football-around 3,000 years ago. A giant golden trophy, a replica of the FIFA World Cup awarded to the tournament winner, was also displayed at the center of the stadium.

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

The ceremony concluded with a fireworks display.

The opening match between Mexico and South Africa is scheduled to begin shortly after the ceremony. Additional performances are expected before kickoff, featuring global stars such as David Guetta and Andrea Bocelli.

The 2026 World Cup is being held across three countries for the first time in history: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Two additional opening ceremonies are planned, taking place on June 12 at Toronto Stadium in Canada and on June 13 at Los Angeles Stadium in the United States.