Mexico Opens 2026 World Cup with Shakira and Historic Win

Eighty thousand roaring fans watched history unfold as the biggest World Cup ever kicked off in Mexico City with fireworks, music superstars, and a dominant home team victory.

Colombian icon Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy brought the Estadio Azteca to life with an electric performance of "Dai Dai," the tournament's official song. The opening ceremony transformed the historic stadium with dancers twirling around a giant World Cup trophy as fireworks lit up the sky above the venue that previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.

Outside the stadium, the celebration stretched for kilometers. Mariachi bands and traditional dancers in colorful costumes created a festive march as fans walked more than an hour to reach the gates, roads closed to make way for the massive celebration.

One passionate Mexican supporter told reporters they paid $5,700 for their seat. "It was worth it if Mexico won," they said, and Mexico delivered.

The hosts dominated South Africa from the opening whistle, with Julián Quiñones firing home from the edge of the penalty area in just the ninth minute. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, 35, added a second goal in the 67th minute with a header that marked his first World Cup goal across four tournaments.

The Bright Side

While three red cards created late drama (a World Cup opening match record), the chaotic moments couldn't dampen the joy radiating from the newly renovated Estadio Azteca. South Africa finished with nine men after two players were sent off, and even Mexico's César Montes saw red late in the match.

This tournament represents something unprecedented in soccer history. With 104 matches scheduled across more than five weeks in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the 2026 World Cup brings the beautiful game to more fans than ever before.

The atmosphere reflected years of anticipation finally realized. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Colombian singer J Balvin joined the pre-match entertainment as noise levels built to a crescendo before kickoff.

Even the packed fan zones in downtown Mexico City's Zocala Plaza showed the hunger for celebration, despite organizational challenges. Thousands pushed toward giant screens, eager to be part of the historic opening day.

The Estadio Azteca now holds the distinction of being the only stadium to host matches at three different World Cups. For the 80,000 fans inside and millions watching worldwide, the message was clear: the world's greatest sporting celebration is back, bigger and brighter than ever.