World Cup 2026 opening ceremony ahead of Mexico vs South Africa live: Shakira, Burna Boy | artists, music, fans, soccer
A riot of color greeted the Estadio Azteca with a fast pace musical opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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2026 World Cup opening ceremony countdown
Time for us to put the opening ceremony to one side and now focus on the football.
It was fast, dynamic and full of colour and sets the scene up nicely ahead of 39 days of top quality football.
Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the 2026 World Cup!
Shakira and Burna Boy steal opening ceremony
It's on !!!!!
More music and FIFA collabs as The Rolling Stones have joined forces with the global governing body and we'll have some limited editions of the iconic band's new album ‘Foreign Tongues’ which gets a release date in early July.
Mexico score !
Quiñones puts El Tri ahead !
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Official FIFA World Cup 2026 album
As we start to bring the curtain down on the opening ceremony live feed .... if you are looking for more World Cup related tunes, here's details of the official FIFA album that includes the likes of Future, Jelly Roll and the Rolling Stones. And of course Dai Dai, the official track performed by Shakira and Burna Boy.
So, on footballing matters, the 2026 World Cup has kicked off... Mexico and South Africa kick-off 39 days of top drawer football!
Wow... that was something else....
Fans in tears with emotion levels running high !
National anthem time ...first up South Africa which will be performed by Tyla.
Alejandro Fernández is on duty to assist with singing of the Mexico national anthem.
Mexicanos, al grito de guerra...
EJAE (Korean singer-songwriter) and Andrea Bocelli now performing 'DNA (More than just a Game" and that is another of the key World Cup songs with DJ David Guetta on the decks.
We've got less than 15 minutes to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway.
104 matches, 48 teams and games taking place over 39 days ahead of the New Jersey final on July 19.
My colleague Dane is revving up with his live feed of the opening game so please feel free to check it out.
Just to mention that despite the fact that the official opening ceremony has ended from a musical perspective, we are now witnessing the flag presentation of all 48 participating nations.
Salma Hayek addressed the Estadio Azteca and welcomes the world to Mexico.
The Mexico vs South Africa live game is in Dane's capable hands. Enjoy!!
More Shakira? Check out her US tour
The Colombian songstress is touring across the USA this summer.
Anxious to see more of the 'Waka Waka' star ?
Her US tour gets underway in California this weekend and wraps up in New Jersey at the end of July.
And don't forget, that tonight's action from Mexico City is not the only opening ceremony from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as we can look forward to more of the same tomorrow from Toronto and LA ahead of the Canada and USA opening matches.
Some of the artists we can expect are Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Future, Bryan Adams and Alanis Morissette.
Mexico buzzing about the Azteca
A wall of green in the upper stands of the Estadio Azteca as fans of El Tri pack into the iconic stadium in the Coapa district of the Mexican capital.
83,264 fans expected to pack into the stands tonight with the opening game one of the most expensive in the entire 2026 World Cup.
So after the energy of the opening ceremony, the focus turns to the opening match with Mexico set to face South Africa ( a repeat of the tournament opening game at the 2010 World Cup.)
As we saw in the opening ceremony, 99% of the Estadio Azteca are behind the home side with a handful of Bafana Bafana fans in attendance.
Breaking down 'Dai Dai' ... Can the new World Cup track repeat the runaway success of ‘Waka Waka’?
Colour, charm and glitz for opening ceremony.
We saw, Belinda, Burna Boy, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Shakira and later on we'll have Alejandro Fernández who will perform the Mexican national anthem and Tyla who is set to perform the national anthem of South Africa,
And that is a wrap from the opening ceremony. Short and sweet and well short of the 90 minutes that was suggested in many outlets.
Clocking in at just under 30 minutes it was dynamic and came to a climax with that rendition of Dai Dai from Shakira and Burna Boy.
With my music critic hat on .... this is a song that needs more chorus !
An iconic World Song needs way more repetition in the chorus.... More Dai Dai needed in my humble opinion !
Shak singing ‘live’ too by the sound of things .... Good energy from the duo...
Plenty of energy and colour on display in the opening ceremony so far.
And here is Shakira .... it's Dai Dai, the official song of the World Cup.
The Colombian songstress performing alongside Nigeria's finest in the form of Burna Boy.
J Balvin next up ... a touch of reggaeton from the Colombian star who delivers a medley of his top tunes.
Now we have Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules.
Por Ella – Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda... another track that can be found on the official FIFA World Cup album.
No let up in the music as Danny Ocean is next up and performs ‘Partidazo’ a tracj especially recorded for the 2026 World Cup.
Now, the first guests and it's Mexican rockers Maná.
An absolute institution in Mexico and indeed in many parts of the globe as they play ‘Oye Mi Amor’ (a hit from 1992)
The countdown is underway .....
We start with a series of dancers in typical Mexican dress... a nod to the nations Mayan heritage.
Bienvenidos a Mexico is the message !
Mexico receives you with smiles from our heart!
Operatives are on the field making the final preparations ahead of the opening ceremony. A white cover now laid to protect the field of play.
The stadium is ‘something to behold’ is the word on the street.
The Estadio Azteca is a riot of green with the bulk of the home supporters opting for the green ‘playera’ with Mexico also releasing smart white and black jerseys for the 2026 World Cup.
Many of the artists appearing during tonight's opening ceremony and indeed of that in LA and Toronto, appear on the FIFA official World Cup album.
The album does feature an exclusive remix of the Rolling Stones track “In the Stars”, a track that we'll all be hearing plenty of over the next 39 days with it set to be a staple audio of the 2026 World Cup.
Azteca almost full
We're just a few minutes away from the opening ceremony getting underway and as we can appreciate from this snap from Felipe Cardenas just a handful of empty seats remain.
Just a reminder that for the first time in history, the World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies across the tournament's three host nations. The competition will also embrace a distinctly American tradition, with the championship match set to include the first halftime show ever staged at a FIFA World Cup final.
The Mexico opening ceremony leads the way ahead of respective ceremonies in Canada and USA tomorrow with the likes of Bryan Adams, Katy Perry, Future and Michael Buble.
Mexico supporters gather outside the stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Mario Vazquez / AFP) / MARIO VAZQUEZ / AFP
Fans flocking into the stadium with ceremony imminent
We're just over 20 minutes away from the opening ceremony getting underway as green clad fans make their way into their seats.
Gates have been opened some four hours prior to kick-off with a full suite of experiences will be on offer, including exclusive activations, rewards and pre-match entertainment.
The national anthems will be performed by: Alejandro Fernández who will perform the Mexican national anthem, while Tyla will perform the national anthem of South Africa,
Let's hope Shakira is not on spot kick duty tonight
Now one of the most iconic moments in World Cup opening ceremonies.
Who can forget the time when Diana Ross had the easiest task of slotting the ball into the bottom corner and ‘break the nets’ ahead of the 1994 Opening Ceremony.
The former Motown star contrived to slice the ball wide and create a moment of World Cup “gold”.
Crowds in the streets of Mexico
All of Mexico City is buzzing with just hours to go before the 2026 World Cup tournament kicks off!
Who's calling the game and how to watch it live
For viewers in the United States, FOX Sports has the exclusive English-language broadcast rights to the 2026 World Cup, meaning every match, including the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, will air across FOX and FS1, with full studio coverage and commentary teams rotating across venues throughout the tournament.
Spanish-language coverage is handled by Telemundo and Universo, giving fans full bilingual access to the action across TV and streaming platforms. All matches will also be available via FOX Sports streaming services (including the FOX Sports App and FOX One), while streaming bundles like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV will carry FOX and FS1 coverage.
Coverage of the opening match is expected to include extensive pre-game build-up from both networks, with kickoff at Estadio Azteca followed by full post-match analysis as the tournament gets underway.
RODRIGO OROPEZA / AFP
Ochoa enters rare World Cup air with sixth-tournament milestone
Guillermo Ochoa is set to make history at the 2026 World Cup, becoming one of the very few players ever to appear in six different tournaments. The Mexico goalkeeper joins an ultra-elite club alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with all three set to reach the same remarkable milestone at the World Cup.
It’s a run that stretches across eras, from Ochoa’s 2006 debut all the way to a 2026 home World Cup, underlining both his longevity and Mexico’s trust in one of their most enduring figures. In a tournament built on new stories, Ochoa’s is one of continuity, resilience, and record-breaking longevity.
I mean literally, how did we get to Mexico City to start the 2026 World Cup?
“When the 2026 World Cup was awarded to the United States, Mexico and Canada, many assumed the tournament would kick off on American soil. After all, the United States will host most of the games, including the final. However, FIFA ultimately made a different choice.”
Storm threat builds over Azteca
As we get ready to kick off the opening ceremony, conditions are relatively calm. But the weather is expected to turn as the match unfolds. Kickoff temperatures sit around 74°F (23°C) under increasing cloud cover, but there is a chance of rain and thunderstorms rising sharply into the afternoon.
Forecasters are warning of an 80% chance of storms later in the match window, with lightning a potential disruption factor under FIFA's thunderstorm protocol, which requires stoppages if electrical activity is detected within an eight-mile radius. Conditions remain warm throughout, and the stadium’s altitude at over 7,000 feet adds an extra physical edge for players and fans alike.
So it will be a calm start, but a potentially volatile finish.
Mexico vs South Africa
We also have a minute-by-minute feed of Mexico vs South Africa live online where you'll find Dane utterly soccer-focused on the opening game of the 2026 World Cup, with the hosts taking on the Bafana Bafana, playing their first World Cup since 2010.
A giant mosaic
Thi is going to be good.
Let the games begin!
Fans in Mexico are early and ready for the festivities, and the first of many games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
Pelé and Maradona tribute reportedly planned for Azteca opener
Reports from multiple outlets suggest the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City could include a tribute to Pelé and Diego Maradona, two legends who famously lifted the trophy at Estadio Azteca. The timing would be symbolically fitting, with the stadium hosting the tournament's opening match and becoming the first in history to stage three World Cups.
However, while the idea has gained traction in media coverage, FIFA has not officially confirmed any dedicated tribute segment as part of the ceremony program. But it wouldn't be surprising to see, and I hope we will!
Mexico's tournament odds?
Although Mexico is favored to win the opening match against South Africa, their odds in the tournament in general are a bit more grim.
Mexico enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the strongest co-hosts, but not among the global favorites to lift the trophy. Bookmakers currently place El Tri in the second tier of contenders, typically ranging between +6000 and +8000 to win the tournament outright, putting them outside the elite bracket dominated by France, Spain, Brazil and England.
That said, expectations at home are still significant. Mexico are heavily backed to progress from their group, with markets strongly favoring them to reach at least the Round of 16, thanks to home advantage, altitude, and a favorable group draw.
Analysts see them as a team capable of going deeper than usual, but still lacking the depth and firepower associated with genuine title challengers.
Mexico vs South Africa odds
All right, back to soccer. Remember when we told you that Mexico has never won an opening match? Well, most of the oddsmakers seem to think that's changing today. The hosts are heavy favorites to start World Cup with a statement win
The opening match of the 2026 World Cup sees Mexico installed as clear favorites on home soil, with bookmakers pricing El Tri around the -250 to -260 mark to win in 90 minutes.
South Africa, back at the tournament for the first time since 2010, are sizeable underdogs at around +700 to +800, while the draw sits in the +330 to +350 range.
Most projections point to a tight, low-scoring opener despite Mexico's advantage, with the total goals line set at 2.5 and the under slightly favored in betting markets.
Mexico’s strength is expected to come from structure, home support at the Estadio Azteca, and tournament experience, while South Africa is viewed as organized but limited in attacking firepower.
Back in 2010, these same teams opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw.
Fans are part of the show
FIFA told fans to arrive early, as they're part of the show at the 2026 World Cup opener.
This year's, fans attending the World Cup on opening day will actively help create the opening ceremony. FIFA is rolling out a new “fan-centric” pre-match format in Mexico City, designed to turn the stadium into one shared, choreographed experience rather than a traditional pre-game show.
The ceremony is set to begin long before the teams walk out. Inside the stadium, fans will be woven into the spectacle through coordinated visuals, large-scale flag displays, music, and on-field activations that blur the line between audience and performance.
Top 5 best FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremonies of all time
In no specific order...
🇧🇷 1. Brazil 2014 (São Paulo)
The modern benchmark for spectacle. The ceremony mixed soccer, carnival energy, and global pop power, headlined by Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, and Claudia Leitte performing “We Are One (Ole Ola)”. Massive choreography, LED staging, and stadium-wide choreography made this feel like a Super Bowl-level production. It set the tone for FIFA's modern entertainment era.
🇿🇦 2. South Africa 2010 (Johannesburg)
Emotionally iconic. The first World Cup ever held in Africa brought a deeply cultural, music-driven ceremony filled with drums, dance, and vuvuzela energy. It was less about celebrity and more about identity, celebrating the continent's long-awaited moment on soccer’s biggest stage. That said, the tournament’s opening era also ended up being defined by Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, which became the defining soundtrack of 2010 and one of the most successful World Cup anthems ever released, performed across key ceremony moments and instantly tied to the imagery of South Africa’s historic hosting.
🇰🇷🇯🇵 3. Korea/Japan 2002 (Seoul)
A turning point in global production scale. The ceremony leaned heavily into synchronized stadium choreography, giant flags, and futuristic staging. It reflected the co-hosted nature of the tournament and the rising globalization of soccer culture in the early 2000s.
🇫🇷 4. France 1998 (Paris / Saint-Denis)
A more classic but hugely influential ceremony. France '98 balanced elegance and mass participation, with schoolchildren, dancers, and orchestral elements filling the Stade de France. It felt like the moment the modern World Cup truly became a global entertainment product.
🇷🇺 5. Russia 2018 (Moscow)
Compact but globally broadcast to billions, this ceremony is remembered for Robbie Williams opening the show with “Let Me Entertain You” and Aida Garifullina’s operatic performance. It had a polished, broadcast-friendly feel and marked the peak of FIFA’s hybrid pop + classical staging approach.
Mexico City’s World Cup drone show lights up the sky
Mexico City's skyline has already started to feel like part of the 2026 World Cup spectacle, with multiple drone formations spotted in rehearsals above the city in the days leading up to the opening ceremony. Early test shows featured hundreds of synchronized drones forming soccer-themed visuals, including the World Cup trophy, FIFA branding, and team-inspired patterns, sparking viral clips across social media and fueling speculation about how the technology will be used during the official ceremony.
While FIFA has not fully detailed the live opening-night production, reports and footage from recent nights suggest drones will play a key visual role alongside music and live performances, potentially replacing or complementing traditional fireworks. The displays are part of a push across host cities to modernize opening celebrations, blending cultural storytelling with large-scale aerial technology as Mexico sets the tone for the tournament’s global kickoff.
How the opening ceremony will likely unfold
You may have noticed my colleague Cal pointed out earlier that there will be several additional artists performing at the Opening Ceremony aside from Shakira and Burna Boy. But how will the show be structured?
While the full running order hasn't been officially released, expect the Mexico City ceremony to play out more like a story-driven showcase than a traditional concert. Early segments will likely spotlight Mexican culture, with artists like Lila Downs and Alejandro Fernández setting the tone, followed by high-energy crowd moments from groups like Los Ángeles Azules and Maná.
From there, the show will likely shift into a more global mix, bringing in stars like J Balvin, Tyla, and Danny Ocean, before building toward the main event.
The finale is obviously going to center on Shakira and Burna Boy performing the official song “Dai Dai”, the moment we're all anticipating. You know...besides the games themselves of course.
Who is Burna Boy?
Shakira isn't the only one performing the 2026 World Cup anthem today. With her will be Burna Boy, who is featured on “Dai Dai”.
Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar and one of the biggest global ambassadors of Afrobeats. Known for blending African rhythms with hip-hop, dancehall, and pop, he broke into the international mainstream with hits like “Ye” and albums such as “African Giant” and “Twice As Tall.”
His music often mixes infectious grooves with socially conscious themes, helping push Afrobeats into the global spotlight over the past decade. Now, he's bringing that worldwide sound to soccer’s biggest stage.
Here's a drinking game you didn't know you needed. Have you ever noticed how often soccer players spit during a game? Well, you will now.
It seems excessive, and that's because, well...it is. Soccer players love drama, what can we say? Our colleague Roddy takes a look at the science behind this phenomenon. Fascinating stuff. I apologize for pointing it out and shattering that glass, but if I had to see it, then so do you. But hey, have some fun with it and see how many you count throughout this tournament, starting with Mexico and South Africa today.
Mariachis, handmade flags, and surprises
Mexico is already setting the tone for the 2026 World Cup, even before kickoff. As the first teams arrived, they were greeted with unforgettable gestures that quickly went viral on social media, from traditional norteño hats presented to Japan's squad to a full mariachi welcome for South Africa.
But the most striking detail may the display in Jalisco, where Mexican artisans have handwoven the flags of every participating nation. Obviously, we come to the World Cup for the beautiful game. But Mexico is reminding us that we stay for the culture, connection, and the moments that bring the tournament to life before a ball is even kicked.
In a short while, you're going to be hearing that performance of Dai Dai and I wanted you to be prepared to sing along to the important part. No, not the catchy melody encapsulating motivational phrases in various languages.
That's the easy bit.
I need you to focus on the part when the Shakira rattles off the names of the legendary players of the Beautiful Game.
"Pelé, Maradona, Maldini, Romário, Cristiano... Ronaldo;
“El Pibe, Iniesta, Beckham y Kaká; Messi, Mbappé, Salah"
In that, there is a reference to “El Pibe,” a nickname that instantly rings bells for soccer fans of a certain age. For newer viewers, you can dig into the attached article for more information.
It's exactly the kind of detail World Cup obsessives love. Casual listeners hear a catchy song. Hardcore fans suddenly find themselves Googling references and debating which players made the cut.
Not a bad way to build excitement just before kickoff, don't you think?
Shakira: the unofficial 'Queen of the World Cup'
Some artists perform at a World Cup.
Some become part of World Cup history.
Then there's Shakira, who has somehow managed to do both for nearly two decades.
As she prepares to take center stage at the Azteca ahead of Mexico's opener against South Africa, it's worth remembering that this isn't her first World Cup rodeo. In fact, if World Cup songs had a Mount Rushmore, Shakira would probably have several faces on it.
For millions of fans, she will forever be associated with 2010 and Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). The song became more than a tournament anthem. It became the soundtrack of an entire summer, blasting from stadium speakers, car radios, bars and every television commercial known to humanity. Sixteen years later, people still know the chorus. That's not a World Cup song anymore. That's cultural immortality almost like the two aforementioned icons.
Her relationship with the tournament actually stretches even further. She performed Hips Don't Lie during the 2006 World Cup festivities, delivered La La La (Brazil 2014) four years later, and now returns for a fourth World Cup cycle with Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 tournament, created alongside Burna Boy. (Scroll below for the video).
That's a remarkable achievement when you think about it. Players age out of World Cups. Coaches come and go. Entire generations of supporters arrive and leave. Somehow Shakira remains part of the soundtrack.
And, as you should know by now, she's not simply making a guest appearance. FIFA has placed her front and center of this opening ceremony in Mexico City that we're building up, where we'll get Dai Dai with Burna Boy before the first ball of the tournament is kicked. The song is designed to blend Latin and African influences, reflecting both the global nature of soccer and the unique cultural mix that has always defined Shakira's music.
The funny thing is that every World Cup produces new stars on the field. Few performers manage to survive multiple generations of the tournament itself.
Yet here we are in 2026, and once again the World Cup is beginning with Shakira.
Some traditions are simply too good to retire. “Let's go!”
The Mexican Wave '86
A trip back to Mexico 1986 for the wave that captured the imagination.
Vuvuzelas relived
OK, here's the sounds of those things.
South Africa's vuvuzelas and the Mexican Wave
Every World Cup leaves something behind.
Sometimes it's a legendary goal. Sometimes it's a heartbreaking miss. Sometimes it's a piece of soccer culture that becomes so famous it outlives the tournament itself.
Take the vuvuzela.
The plastic horn became the unofficial soundtrack of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. For an entire month, televisions around the world sounded like they were broadcasting from inside a giant beehive. Players complained. Commentators complained. Viewers definitely complained. Yet somehow the vuvuzela became inseparable from that tournament. Mention South Africa 2010 and many fans still hear the noise before they remember the scores.
Dare I say, I now have a certain affection for that sound.
Then there's the Mexican Wave.
Unlike the vuvuzela, the Wave wasn't born at a World Cup, but it exploded onto the global stage during the 1986 tournament in Mexico. As one section of the crowd rises and sits before the next follows suit, the effect rolls around a stadium like a living ripple. Simple? Absolutely. Effective? Every single time. Although watch out for those Scotland fans who sometimes raise their kilts for a post-watershed wave!!
Together, they represent two very different sides of soccer fandom. One is loud enough to rattle your television speakers. The other requires thousands of strangers to coordinate for no reason other than collective joy.
One thing is certain: with South Africa and Mexico meeting again on opening day, don't be surprised if both make an appearance somewhere along the way.
And in a few days, the iconic memory of 2026 may be starting to take shape.
What happens backstage at a World Cup ceremony?
While fans count down to the show, there's another countdown happening behind the scenes.
Dancers are checking marks. Performers are running through last-minute rehearsals. Production crews are staring at clipboards with expressions usually associated with air-traffic controllers.
Months of planning eventually come down to a few precious minutes.
The funny thing is that if everything works perfectly, viewers barely notice the effort.
That's usually how you know a live event went well.
Ceremony sneak peak
...and here's a little glimpse inside the preparations.
A few hours from now, the stadium will be deafening. Right now, though, there's a different kind of energy around the Azteca.
Workers are making final checks. Television crews are rehearsing stand-ups they'll deliver a dozen times before kickoff. Vendors are setting up for what could be one of the busiest days of their lives.
Outside the stadium, supporters are already arriving for photos in front of one of soccer's most iconic venues.
The World Cup doesn't suddenly begin at the opening ceremony. It starts long before that.
It starts when the first fan arrives.
Today, nearly 90,000 more are expected to follow screaming for their favorites artists: some with a ball, others with a mic.
Hola Señor Azteca
I've talked quite a bit already about the stadium that will be opening this year's tournament, but haven't shared any imagery of it. Maybe you've never seen it before.
Let's remedy that immediately...
When the weather doesn't play ball
You can spend months preparing to face Lionel Messi.
You can build an entire tactical plan around stopping Kylian Mbappé.
You can train for altitude, humidity and penalty shootouts.
What you can't do is tell a thunderstorm to wait until full time.
There is a growing realization that weather could become one of the tournament's most influential players. Most fans have heard about concerns over extreme heat, but lightning might prove even more disruptive.
Here's the surprising part: a storm doesn't even have to be over the stadium.
Under US safety regulations, matches can be suspended if lightning is detected within eight miles of the venue. One flash. Thirty-minute delay. Another flash? The clock starts all over again.
Imagine the scenes during a decisive group-stage game. Tens of thousands of fans waiting under shelter. Millions watching at home. Players trying to stay warm. Coaches desperately checking weather radar instead of opposition tactics.
And if one of the simultaneous final group matches is delayed while the other continues? Things could get very interesting very quickly.
I broke down exactly how FIFA's lightning protocols work in the attached article.
Music or soccer? What are you here for?
At some point today, remember, the music will stop.
The fireworks will fade.
The celebrities will leave the stage.
The giant countdown clocks will hit zero.
And then something wonderfully simple happens.
Twenty-two players walk onto a field.
One ball gets placed in the centre circle.
The noise becomes deafening.
And after years of planning, billions spent, thousands of articles written and countless predictions made, the World Cup finally becomes a soccer tournament again.
Everything before kickoff is anticipation.
Everything after kickoff is history waiting to happen.
But my question to you is whether or not you'll still be following, or are you just here for the pre-game show? There's a comments box for a reason...
Talking of World Cups of the past, are you one of those people fascinated by the assortment of kits that are on show? I certainly am, and so, it would appear, is my colleague Jen.
Check out the attached article where she looks back on some of that “global fashion phenomena” over the years.
Why are Mexico and South Africa opening World Cup 2026?
If you've watched World Cups for long enough, you might remember a very different tradition.
For decades, the defending champions were given the honor of kicking off the tournament. France opened the 2002 World Cup. Brazil opened in 1998. Germany opened in 1994. The holders got first billing, first spotlight and the first chance to make a statement.
Then FIFA changed the script.
Since the 2006 World Cup, the opening match has belonged to the host nation rather than the defending champion. The change came after FIFA ended automatic qualification for the reigning champions, meaning title holders would have to earn their place like everyone else. From that point on, it made far more sense for the hosts to launch the tournament in front of their own fans.
That's why today's curtain-raiser belongs to Mexico.
The hosts will walk out at the Azteca with the eyes of the soccer world upon them, continuing a tradition that has now lasted two decades. Germany started things in 2006. South Africa followed in 2010. Brazil did it in 2014. Russia in 2018. Qatar in 2022. Now it's Mexico's turn.
It's a small rule change that many fans barely noticed when it happened.
But it completely changed who gets the first kick, the first roar from the crowd and the first chance to write themselves into World Cup history.
The ghost of 2010
Mention Mexico and South Africa in the same sentence and many soccer fans immediately think of one image.
Siphiwe Tshabalala's thunderbolt in Johannesburg. The goal that launched the 2010 World Cup.
The goal that launched a month of noise, colour and vuvuzelas (remember those annoying plastic trumpets?!).
Sixteen years later, the teams meet again to open another tournament.
Different players.
Different stadium.
Different continent-wide World Cup.
Yet somehow we've got this neat story circling back to the same fixture. As a sportswriter, I just love symmetry.
FIFA probably isn't complaining either... but did you know that the rules for who plays in the opening game have changed?
You can always tell when a World Cup is about to start.
Suddenly everybody has a prediction. Every former player has a bracket. Every television network has a dark horse.
And then there are the supporters, each convinced their team has finally secretly solved the [weak wing play / lack of goals / suspect goalkeeper] that was holding them back all these years.
And for a brief, beautiful moment, everyone might be right.
This is the stage of the tournament where optimism is undefeated.
Nobody has been eliminated.
Nobody has suffered heartbreak.
Nobody has spent three hours arguing with a referee decision on social media.
Give it time, though. It's coming to most of us...
And if you want a prediction model that knows its stuff, check out the attached story that our Will put reported on.
The three-country World Cup experiment
One of the most fascinating things about this World Cup is that nobody has ever attempted something on this scale before.
Three host nations.
Sixteen host cities.
An entire continent involved in staging the tournament.
Mexico gets the opening day spotlight.
Canada gets its own opening celebrations tomorrow.
Then the United States follows with its own launch event as the tournament spreads across North America.
For fans, it means a World Cup that feels less like a tournament in one country and more like a month-long continental festival.
The logistical planners probably have a different word for it. And we'll no doubt all look back as domestic season return in the coming months and reflect on how well it turned out.
Shakira's South African impact
While Colombian, and helping to open up the 2026 extravaganza in Mexico, it's worth remembering that Shakira also gave us this iconic track back in that South Africa tournament in 2010.
Relive it now.
South Africa's long road back
It's a little weird, given how busy life can be, but I find that World Cups have a way of compressing time.
The last South African men's team to play in a World Cup opener did so in 2010.
That doesn't sound that long ago until someone reminds you that smartphones were still relatively new, streaming was in its infancy and a large chunk of the players taking the field today were just young kids.
For South Africa, simply returning to the tournament represents a major achievement.
Now comes the difficult part.
Their first assignment is a host nation playing in front of more than 80,000 supporters in one of the sport's most intimidating stadiums.
Not exactly easing into the tournament.
But World Cups aren't supposed to be easy.
That's why we watch.
The opening ceremony Is more than a concert
Every World Cup opening ceremony faces the same challenge.
How do you represent an entire country in less than an hour?
It's impossible, of course.
But that doesn't stop anyone from trying.
Mexico's ceremony is expected to showcase the country's culture, music and traditions before the first ball is kicked, while FIFA has assembled a star-studded lineup for the occasion – as shared below – with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining.
For some fans – quick shout out to my daughters who'll likely turn off when the actual sport begins – the ceremony is essential viewing.
For others, it's simply the thing standing between them and kickoff.
Both groups will be watching.
What's Mexico's World Cup opener history?
Some World Cup facts sound completely made up.
Here's one.
Mexico has never won a World Cup opening match.
Not once.
Despite appearing in numerous tournaments and despite hosting before, El Tri enter today's game still looking for that elusive first opening-day victory.
Which means the pressure isn't only about starting the tournament well: it's about ending a statistic.
The kind of statistic that gets mentioned every 15 minutes on television broadcasts. The kind of statistic that follows a team around like an annoying relative at a family barbecue.
South Africa, meanwhile, will happily volunteer to extend that streak.
The hosts carry the expectation.
The visitors carry the freedom.
That combination has produced plenty of surprises throughout World Cup history.
The World Cup gets bigger than ever
Going back to the theme about size, and whether it matters, this tournament is going to feel different.
Not because the trophy changed.
Not because the rules changed (although maybe a little).
Because the scale changed.
The 2026 World Cup is the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams and a staggering 104 matches spread across North America. That's nearly 50% more teams than many fans grew up watching.
There are more countries dreaming.
More supporters travelling.
More storylines waiting to emerge.
And almost certainly more debates about the format from people who haven't stopped talking about the format for the last two years.
By the time the final arrives in July, many millions of fans will have watched games in Mexico, Canada and the United States. For today, though, all roads lead to Mexico City.
Every World Cup has certain traditions.
Brazil wearing yellow.
England discussing penalties.
And Guillermo Ochoa suddenly pretending to be the greatest goalkeeper on Earth.
The veteran Mexican keeper has built one of the most remarkable World Cup reputations of any player in modern soccer. No matter what happens during club seasons, World Cups seem to unlock a different version of Ochoa. And he's back.
Now the question is whether he can once again find himself in Mexico's plans.
If you've followed World Cups for the last two decades, you already know why fans are fascinated by the possibility.
Our Paul had a look at the chances of him being part of the tournament opener.
How many players are at the 2026 World Cup? It's a question that has been doing the round and the answer aids Donald Trump's continued claim about this being the “biggest ever”.
Well, he's right to say that. When you increase the number of teams involved from 32 to 48, the facts are clear. There are 1,248 players represented across those nations... assuming he doesn't deport anyone else!
48 nations await the start
As you'll have already noted, I'll be building up to the action by jumping between music and soccer. It's the perfect mix!
In case you are in any doubt about the rest of the nations involved this tournament, and their respective groups, here's a handy graphic.
Dai Dai
OK, here's a little something to get you in the mood...
In addition to headlining the halftime show at the World Cup final – a lot is going to happen before July 19 – Shakira will take to the stage at today's opening ceremony in Mexico City.
The Colombian superstar and Burna Boy are set to perform the rather catchy “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Shakira and Burna Boy will be joined by several other artists at Estadio Ciudad de México for the opening celebration, which gets underway at 1:30 p.m. ET, 90 minutes before Mexico vs South Africa kicks off.
Confirmed performers in Mexico
Alejandro Fernández
Belinda
Burna Boy
Danny Ocean
J Balvin
Lila Downs
Los Ángeles Azules
Maná
Shakira
Tyla
Why the Azteca still matters
Modern soccer has plenty of shiny new stadiums, like at Real Madrid and Tottenham. Retractable roofs. Giant video boards. Luxury suites the size of small apartments.
And then there's the Azteca.
The stadium doesn't need to tell you how important it is. Its history does that for it.
As I said, this afternoon the venue becomes the first ever to host three World Cup opening matches, adding another remarkable milestone to a stadium already overflowing with football mythology.
Fans arriving today aren't just walking into a sporting venue. They're walking into one of the most important locations in soccer history.
The altitude adds another layer to the challenge. At roughly 7,200 feet above sea level, visiting teams quickly discover that breathing can become an unexpected opponent. Mexico knows these conditions well. South Africa has spent extra time preparing for them. Even so, preparation and reality don't always have the same opinion.
The Azteca has a habit of making ordinary games feel historic. The opening game of a World Cup barely needs the help.
The greatest show on Earth
You may have heard that line at your passing circus but don't be believing that shouty man with the hat and tights. This is the GOAT of sporting shows!
For the next few hours, and then for the next month, soccer will take over the planet. Office productivity will not so mysteriously decline. Sleep schedules will be sacrificed. People who haven't watched a game since the last World Cup will suddenly become experts on pressing systems and midfield triangles. It happens every four years, and honestly, I think it's part of the charm.
Today it all begins in Mexico City, where the legendary Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium in history to host matches in three different World Cups. Pelé played here. Maradona played here. Countless soccer dreams have either been born or shattered here. Today, another chapter gets added to the story.
The opening match sees Mexico face South Africa, a fixture that carries a strange sense of déjà vu. The last time these two nations met at a World Cup, it was also the opening game of the tournament. That was Johannesburg in 2010. Sixteen years later, they're doing it all over again, only now the stage belongs to Mexico.
Before the soccer comes the spectacle. Before the tactics, the nerves and the drama comes the music, the colour and the noise. This is World Cup opening day, and subtlety was never invited.
World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: welcome
Hello and welcome to AS USA's World Cup 2026 live blog where I'll be taking you from now right the way through to the opening ceremony, before handing you over to my colleagues ahead of the first whistle of the tournament.
Picture this: Shakira's voice echoing through Azteca, Burna Boy's beats setting hearts racing, and 87,000 fans ready to write history. Mexico vs South Africa is the headline, but this is your front-row seat to every note, every kick, and every story.
Buckle up – this isn’t just a musical show and a game; it’s the start of the month we’ve all been waiting for!
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