The wait is over. After years of preparation and anticipation, Mexico once again took center stage on the world stage by officially kicking off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a spectacular ceremony that combined tradition, technology, music, and national pride.
Thousands of fans packed the Mexico City Stadium to witness the kickoff of soccer’s biggest event, while millions of people watched the broadcast around the globe. The event marked the official start of a historic World Cup: the first featuring 48 participating teams and co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The opening ceremony made Mexico the first country to host matches in three different World Cups, following the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, cementing its special place in the history of international soccer.
Paper cutouts took center stage
The show was produced by Balich Wonder Studio in collaboration with FIFA, featuring a visual presentation deeply inspired by Mexican identity.
The central concept revolved around the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy, reinterpreted through traditional papel picado, one of the most iconic symbols of Mexican popular culture. The vibrant colors, monumental figures, and massive choreography transformed the stadium into a true work of art in motion.
The production successfully combined traditional elements with state-of-the-art technology, offering a visual experience that was widely celebrated by the audience.
Shakira Conquers the World Cup Once Again
One of the most anticipated moments came with the appearance of Shakira, who once again took center stage at a World Cup ceremony.
The Colombian singer performed “Dai Dai,” one of the official songs of the 2026 World Cup, accompanied by Nigerian artist Burna Boy. The performance drew an immediate ovation and electrified the atmosphere in the stands before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
The musical performance was accompanied by an impressive visual production, dancers, special effects, and a stage design intended to reflect the cultural diversity of the host countries.
Parade of Nations and Fireworks
As part of the celebration, a parade of flags from the participating teams took place, symbolizing the unity of the 48 nations that will compete for the world title.
The closing was accompanied by an impressive fireworks display that lit up the sky over Mexico City and brought to a close a ceremony filled with emotion, culture, and symbolism.
Mexico turns a new page in soccer history
The opening of the 2026 World Cup marked not only the start of a tournament but also a celebration of Mexican identity before the world.
With a blend of tradition, innovation, and artistic talent, Mexico delivered a ceremony that will remain etched in fans’ memories and officially paved the way for a World Cup that promises to be one of the greatest and most spectacular of all time.
The party has already begun, and for the first time in history, three countries will share the stage of a World Cup that kicked off with Mexico as the undisputed star.
