Shakira kicks off the World Cup as mega star leads a mariachi band and pop line-up at opening ceremony in Mexico City

SHAKIRA has kicked off the biggest ever World Cup football fiesta ahead of co-host nation Mexico’s curtain-raiser clash against South Africa tonight.

The Colombian beauty and Nigerian rapper Burna Boy performed the new tournament anthem “Dai Dai” – or “Let’s Go”, heralding five weeks of superstar football.

Shakira performs in a yellow outfit with dancers on a green field in a stadium with a large golden trophy in the background.

Shakira took to the stage alongside Burna Boy to kick-off the six week tournament

Shakira performs during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony.

Shakira sent fans wild with her trademark dance moves and high energy

The glittering pageant – played out amid thethreat of thunderstorms at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium – will be followed by two more ceremonies on Friday in the US and Canada.

The pair gyrated with a troupe of dancers around a giant golden World Cup at the centre of Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium as fireworks filled the air.

Flame-haired Shakira – sporting a mini-skirt outfit in the yellow and white colours of her national team – was performing her second soccer anthem after Waka Waka wowed South Africa 2010.

The music superstar duo delivered a dazzling performance as the Columbian lit up the arena with her trademark high-energy and dance moves sending supporters crazy.

Shakira performing with backup dancers on a stage with golden stairs and a large crowd in the background.

The duo performed ‘Dai Dai’ in a dazzling performance at the centre of the pitch

General view of the Estadio Azteca during the opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the field covered in a turquoise and gold pattern, a giant World Cup trophy, and colorful smoke.

The opening ceremony took place at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium

Introducing the show, the Mexican announcer said: “Mexico receives you with smiles from our heart, we are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride.

“Football carries the same heartbeat. Uniting generations. The trophy is not defined by one player or nation but by all!”

The pre-match show featured an exotic blend of global stars and Latin American superstars as millions tuned in around the globe.

They included J Balvin, one of the biggest artists in Latin America, who strutted his stuff in a bold and baggy outfit.

He performed with Columbian singer Ryan Castro after Mexican pop-rock legends Maná warmed the crowd up with their iconic hits.

Thousands of Mexico supporters could be seen descending on the iconic stadium in incredible outfits before kick-off and were in full voice as they chanted “Viva Mexico” and “Ole, ole, ole”.

They could be spotted enjoying the festivities and singing along in the stands alongside their South African counterparts.

Once the stage has been cleared, attention will then turn to the football pitch at 8pm for the first of this summer’s 104-game extravaganza.

The tournament marks the first time the World Cup has been hosted across three nations.

The US is set to host the lion’s share of matches – including the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

And America is ready to bring the glitz and glamour for the competition – billed to be the most extravagant the world has ever seen.

The three opening ceremonies are being produced by Italian creative director Marco Balich, the mastermind behind shows at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and the Milano Cortina Winter Games.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH01-MEX-RSA-FANS

Mexico supporters gathered ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match with South Africa

Soccer: FIFA World Cup 2026-City Scenes

A performance will also take place in Los Angeles on Friday

Balich revealed the shows will be united by a “celebration of sports and a passion for soccer,” with custom designs reflecting each host nation’s unique culture.

Mexico’s show featured traditional papel picado, crafted paper cutouts, while Canada’s segment will use a mosaic design to represent its multicultural identity.

The United States will be represented by a glowing, metallic replica of the trophy, according to Balich.

He said the events will also include welcome speeches, the traditional parade of flags, the presentation of the match ball, and a 30-minute musical performance.

Balich said: “It’s a celebration of football, FIFA and the fact that, thanks to soccer, people get together in peace and harmony.

“I think it’s very important that we stress the fact that the three nations are working together to host a very important and relevant championship, especially in this moment where there is so much controversy on the political side.

“But people are people, and they will get together and enjoy.”

Mexican actress Salma Hayek also appeared as an official ambassador in Mexico City.

In Toronto, singers Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette are set to headline the Canadian ceremony, performing alongside acts that showcase the country’s multicultural population.

The show begins at 6:30pm UK time on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles ceremony at SoFi Stadium will be hosted by Sudeikis, best known for his role as soccer coach Ted Lasso while Katy Perry will also star.

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