The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially began on Thursday in Mexico City with a colourful opening ceremony featuring global music stars, traditional cultural performances and a packed Azteca Stadium witnessing Mexico’s opening victory over South Africa. More than 80,000 fans filled the iconic stadium, which hosted World Cup matches in 1970 and 1986. The tournament marks the first time Mexico has hosted football’s biggest event in 40 years and makes history as the first nation to stage matches at three separate men’s World Cups. The ceremony blended music, football and Mexican culture before the opening match. “Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico,” a performer announced. “We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations.” Global superstar Shakira headlined the event alongside J Balvin, Burna Boy and Danny Ocean. Mexican singer Fher Olvera performed the classic “Oye Mi Amor”, while renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli and K-pop artist EJAE sang the tournament’s official anthem, DNA. Grammy-winning South African star Tyla performed South Africa’s national anthem before kickoff. Performers dressed in indigenous-inspired clothing and traditional Mexican attire filled the pitch, while fireworks illuminated the stadium in the colours of the Mexican flag. Mexico Starts With Victory Amid Tight Security The celebrations continued when Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 to launch its campaign on a winning note. Fans arrived hours before kickoff, creating a festive atmosphere around the stadium. Javier Pérez, who attended the match with his family, described the experience as unforgettable. “We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it’s a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful,” he told the BBC. “I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we’ll see how far we can go!” Authorities deployed a heavy security presence around the 82,000-capacity venue. Mexican officials said nearly 200 hooded protesters broke away from two larger groups of around 800 demonstrators and clashed with police near the stadium. The unrest temporarily disrupted nearby metro services before security forces restored order. Protests Cast Shadow Over Global Celebration While football dominated headlines, activists used the global spotlight to highlight domestic issues. Teachers’ unions and families of people missing during Mexico’s long-running drug war staged demonstrations across the capital. The protests coincided with the opening of a tournament expected to attract billions of viewers worldwide. Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The two countries are scheduled to stage separate opening celebrations on Friday. FIFA has assembled a diverse lineup of artists for the tournament. Several performers also feature on the 18-track Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. Despite isolated unrest outside the stadium, the focus inside remained firmly on football, music and celebration as the world’s biggest sporting event officially got underway.
Palestinian-Chilean Star Elyanna Takes Center Stage at FIFA World Cup 2026
Palestinian-Chilean Star Elyanna has joined the official soundtrack lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with her new single Illuminate, a collaboration with Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez. The release marks another major international milestone for the 24-year-old artist, who has become one of the most recognizable Arab voices in global pop music. Illuminate arrives shortly after FIFA confirmed Elyanna as one of the performers for the ceremony before Canada hosts its opening tournament match on June 12 at Toronto’s BMO Field. Read More: FIFA’s Massive World Cup 2026 Twist Changes Opening Ceremony Tradition Forever The lineup for the event also includes Alanis Morissette, Michael Buble and Alessia Cara. The song becomes the fourth release from The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. Earlier tracks included Lighter by Jelly Roll and Carin Leon, Por Ella by Los Angeles Azules and Belinda, and Echo by Daddy Yankee and Shenseea. FIFA Expands Global Music Identity for 2026 Tournament Produced by Canadian hitmaker Cirkut, Illuminate follows FIFA’s long tradition of pairing major international tournaments with cross-cultural pop collaborations. Cirkut previously worked on global hits including Katy Perry’s Roar and Miley Cyrus’s Wrecking Ball. The 2026 World Cup marks the first time the tournament will take place across three host nations: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Organizers have increasingly positioned music as a key cultural element of the tournament experience. “I am deeply proud to represent my culture, my country, and the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arab world on such a global stage … through this song Illuminate,” Elyanna said in a statement. She added that the World Cup “brings people from all over the world together to celebrate culture and humanity”. Illuminate was co-written by Elyanna alongside longtime collaborators including her mother Abeer Sbiat Marjieh, brother Feras Margieh and Lebanese-Canadian artist Massari. The music video features montages of iconic World Cup moments and appearances from football legends including Diego Maradona and Ronaldo Nazario. Arab Artists Gain Bigger Role in FIFA Music The release also reflects the growing influence of Arab and North African artists in FIFA’s entertainment strategy during recent tournaments. For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Qatari singer Aisha joined Davido and Trinidad Cardona on Hayya Hayya (Better Together). Artists including Balqees, Rahma Riad, Manal and Nora Fatehi also contributed to the Qatar soundtrack. FIFA’s current entertainment direction has been strongly shaped by Moroccan-Swedish producer RedOne, who serves as the organization’s creative entertainment executive. The soundtrack will continue expanding in the coming weeks. Shakira is expected to release a new World Cup anthem titled Dai Dai alongside Nigerian star Burna Boy later this week.
