<\/p>\n
For football fans, the biggest talking point was Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Colombian superstar, whose 2010 hit Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)<\/em> became one of the most recognisable World Cup songs of all time, performed the tournament anthem Dai Dai<\/em> alongside Burna Boy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The performance marked another World Cup moment for Shakira, whose music has long been associated with football’s biggest tournament.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Joining Shakira was Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy, one of Africa’s biggest music exports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Together, the pair delivered Dai Dai<\/em> to a packed Estadio Azteca, bringing together Latin and African musical influences on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The atmosphere inside the 80,000-capacity stadium was electric as fans dressed in Mexico’s green jerseys and mariachi-inspired outfits welcomed the start of the month-long competition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The ceremony paid tribute to Mexico’s heritage, with performers in colourful costumes filling the pitch in a celebration of Aztec culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs welcomed fans from around the world in both Spanish and English.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “People of the world, welcome to Mexico!” she told the crowd.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Several artists from across Latin America took turns entertaining fans before kickoff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean performed Partidazo<\/em>, while Mexican pop star Belinda teamed up with Los \u00c1ngeles Azules for a performance of Por Ella<\/em>, a song featured on the World Cup album.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Colombian hitmaker J Balvin then took centre stage alongside Ryan Castro. The duo performed a medley of hits, including Una A La Vez<\/em>, before Balvin wrapped up his set with I Like It<\/em>, his global smash with Cardi B and Bad Bunny.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Hollywood star Salma Hayek Pinault made one of the evening’s most notable appearances as a World Cup ambassador.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Addressing the crowd, she welcomed the 48 nations competing in the expanded tournament.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “In this stadium, along with Canada and the United States, we welcome the 48 flags,” she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Us Mexicans are very honoured to be here, where the World Cup begins.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Her speech was followed by a parade of flags representing all participating nations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The ceremony also featured a performance of DNA<\/em>, the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem, by legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean-American singer EJAE.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n South African star Tyla delivered the South African national anthem ahead of the opening match, while Mexican music icon Alejandro Fern\u00e1ndez performed Mexico’s national anthem.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBurna Boy joins the World Cup party<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Mexican culture takes centre stage<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
J Balvin gets the crowd moving<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Salma Hayek welcomes the world<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Andrea Bocelli and Tyla add emotional moments<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Then it was time for football<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n