The World Cup begins with the Mexican opening ceremony in the legendary Aztec Stadium. Among others, Shakira and J Balvin are there.
With the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City, the first of a total of three opening ceremonies for this World Cup will take place at a historic location: it is the first stadium ever to host a World Cup for the third time – previously in 1970 and 1986. Two more opening ceremonies will follow in the stadiums of the co-hosts Canada and the USA in Toronto and Los Angeles.
Who sings the official World Cup song?
No World Cup opening ceremony without the official song of the World Cup: Pop star Shakira will be on the pitch together with Burna Boy. You will “Dai Dai” perform live for the first time.
“The highly anticipated performance will set the mood for an unforgettable opening game that will bring fans from around the world together for a celebration of football, music and culture.”says a FIFA statement announcing the program.
Shakira – seen here on May 2, 2026 during a performance in Rio de Janeiro – sings the official World Cup song at the opening ceremony.
“Dai Dai” – what’s it about?
The chorus “Dai, dai, iko, dale, allez, let’s go!”Shakira and the Nigerian singer Burna Boy embedded in a danceable melody. In addition to football stars such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, the song also mentions major football nations such as Germany. “Dai Dai” means something like in Italian “Let’s go”.
Why does Shakira have World Cup experience?
With “Waka Waka” Shakira contributed the official FIFA song for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
By the way: It won’t be Shakira’s only appearance during the World Cup. She was previously announced as one of the artists scheduled to perform at the inaugural World Cup final halftime show on July 19 in the United States.
Who else is performing at the Aztec Stadium?
FIFA announces “local talents and modern folklore artists” to. Part of the opening concert includes, among others, Raggaeton singer J Balvin, known for songs like “Mi gente” or “I Like It” and the Mexican rock band Maná. Tyla, Danny Ocean and Mexican singer Lila Downs are also there.
What does FIFA want from the… Opening ceremony transport?
The world football association provides the “Mexican culture with music, dance and art” into focus. The celebrations are based on FIFA “on a common creative theme that presents the FIFA World Cup Cup from the perspective of the culture of each host country”. In Mexico this is said to be done through recurring patterns of paper garlands, “that stand for tradition, craftsmanship and joy”.
How long will it be? Opening ceremony last in the Aztec Stadium?
FIFA is planning a total of 90 minutes of programming until the first game of the 2026 World Cup kicks off – starting at 7:30 p.m. (CEST). Then co-hosts Mexico and South Africa will fight for the first points of this World Cup in Group A from 9 p.m. sportschau.de will broadcast the game live in an audio stream.
When will the others find? Opening ceremonies instead of?
Canada’s opening ceremony will take place in Toronto on June 12 before the first group game in Group B, Canada vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina. The show in the USA takes place before the USA against Paraguay, the first game in Group D on June 13th.