The FIFA 2026 World Cup has officially kicked off (pun intended)!
The latest edition of the global football tournament has initiated proceedings with the first of three opening ceremonies in Mexico City, with Group A’s Mexico and South Africa facing off for the kick-off match of the season.
This year’s tournament is jointly being hosted by three countries – Mexico, the United States and Canada – between 16 cities. The second opening ceremony will take place on Friday, June 12 in Toronto, with the third following later in the day in Los Angeles.
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Follow along for all of the top updates from the opening ceremonies, with the first headlined by a host of acts including J Balvin, Burna Boy, and Shakira…
© FIFA via Getty ImagesA celebration of Mexican culture
The first opening ceremony celebrated Mexican culture, specifically its traditional Aztec roots. Several performers took to the pitch, with Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs telling the crowd in English and Spanish: “People of the world, welcome to Mexico.”
© Getty ImagesSpotlighting Mexico’s finest
Several local acts, such as Belinda y Los Ángeles Azules and Maná (led by lead singer Fher Olvera), plus other heavyweights from the Latin pop world like Venezuelan Danny Ocean and…
© Getty ImagesJ Balvin brings the hits
Colombian singer J Balvin! He was joined by Colombian rapper Ryan Castro for a medley of their hits, surrounded by a colorful cacophony of dancers, ending with a snippet from Balvin’s megahit “I Like It,” his collaboration with Cardi B.
© FIFA via Getty Images“Dai Dai” with Shakira and Burna Boy
The ceremony’s most-anticipated act, Shakira, stepped out to perform her newest World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” with Burna Boy.
The singer and FIFA favorite wore a cut-out yellow bodysuit with fishnet tights and a lavender and white asymmetrical skirt.
© FIFASalma Hayek kicks things off
Salma Hayek, as the World Cup Ambassador, kicked things off with a welcome address to the participating nations after the flag parade.
In Spanish, she said: “In this stadium, along with Canada and the United States we welcome the 48 flags. Us Mexicans are very honored to be here where the World Cup begins.”
© FIFA via Getty ImagesTyla reps for team two
South African singer-songwriter and Grammy winner Tyla took to the stage as a representative for the visiting team, singing the South African national anthem
© Getty ImagesAndrea Bocelli, EJAE and the FIFA anthem
Andrea Bocelli and KPop Demon Hunters’ EJAE performed the Official FIFA World Cup Anthem “DNA,” which also features David Guetta and Megan Thee Stallion (who weren’t in attendance).
© Getty ImagesUpcoming games
After Mexico vs South Africa kicks off the tournament, Group A’s South Africa and Czechia will face off later tonight.
Group B will begin with Canada facing off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. After the ceremony in Los Angeles, Group D’s United States will go up against Paraguay.
How to watch every FIFA World Cup 2026 game — including streaming online for free
FOX and FS1 will be streaming all 104 matches for FIFA 2026 in English, with Telemundo and Universo broadcasting the games for Spanish-language viewers.
You can also catch the games on YouTube TV, DirecTV, Fubo TV and Peacock. All of these streaming services also offer free trials, if you’re not in the mood to pay for full subscriptions.
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