FIFA has announced the lineup of stars set to take the stage for the World Cup’s opening ceremony — and the standout name is Alejandro Fernández.

Fernández will perform the Mexican national anthem on the field at Estadio Ciudad de México on Thursday. He will be joined by global sensation Tyla, who will sing South Africa’s national anthem.

Both artists will take the stage just minutes before kickoff of the highly anticipated Mexico vs. South Africa match, setting the tone for one of the most watched opening games in recent memory.

The main show of the opening ceremony will feature global artists - Shakira, Maná, Belinda, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, J Balvin, Danny Ocean, and Burna Boy, all coming together to bring the official 2026 World Cup album to life on stage.

Adding to the spectacle, Ryan Castro will join J Balvin for a special collaborative performance that’s expected to be one of the night’s standout moments.

And in a nod to Hollywood prestige, Salma Hayek Pinault — Academy Award–nominated actress, director, and producer — will step onto the field as the official ambassador of the 2026 World Cup. She’ll welcome fans from around the world and help set the tone for a celebration built around unity, culture, and the global spirit of soccer.

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