The 2026 World Cup officially began this June 11th with a spectacular ceremony at the Estadio Azteca, a venue that once again made history by becoming the first to host three World Cup openings (1970, 1986, and 2026). In this unprecedented edition, organized by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the tournament kicks off with an expanded 48-team format, marking a new era for international football.

The opening spectacle was a display of Mexican culture, music, and tradition, with a narrative that combined pre-Hispanic elements and modernity. Actress Salma Hayek led the welcome to the world, while a parade of flags and cultural representations filled the stadium with color. The ceremony embraced a strong Latin identity, with messages in Spanish, English, and indigenous languages, highlighting the participation of Lila Downs.

In the musical segment, the main star was Shakira, who performed the official tournament anthem "Dai Dai" alongside Burna Boy, in one of the night's most vibrant moments. International artists such as J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Maná, and Los Ángeles Azules also shone, solidifying a ceremony with a Latin flavor and global reach.

One of the most emotional moments was the rendition of the Mexican National Anthem by Alejandro Fernández, who managed to make the entire stadium resonate in a moment filled with pride and symbolism. With a fully engaged Azteca, the opening ceremony gave way to the match between Mexico and South Africa, marking the start of a World Cup that promises to be the biggest and most diverse in football history.