Shakira, Burna Boy and Others Light Up Azteca Stadium as the 2026 World Cup Begins

Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigeria’s Afro‑beat star Burna Boy, among other performers, opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a concert at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, which Mexico won 2‑0.

The 49‑year‑old, former girlfriend of former Barcelona midfielder Gerard Piqué, sang “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the 2026 World Cup, together with Burna Boy. The track was released a month earlier.

The title, which translates to “Come on, Come on” in English, was written by Shakira, Burna Boy, Benny Adam, Jon Bellion, Ed Sheeran and Alexander Castillo, with production by Shakira and Castillo.

Thousands of fans gathered at the historic Azteca Stadium, eager to watch the World Cup on home soil for the first time in 40 years.

The event followed a complex buildup that included renovations to the airport and stadium, protests, and recent cartel violence in Mexico.

On Thursday, those concerns seemed to have been set aside as football took center stage.

Javier Pérez, who attended the opener with his family, told the BBC that the excitement now outweighs any previous difficulties.

“We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it’s a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful,” he said.

“I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we’ll see how far we can go!”

Mexico is co‑hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada, whose teams held their own opening ceremonies today.

Fans in the stadium were treated to a lineup of musical acts.

In addition to Shakira and Burna Boy, performers included Colombia’s J Balvin, Latin music star Danny Ocean and Fher Olvera.

Mexican singer Fernández, son of veteran crooner Vicente Fernández, sang the Mexican national anthem at the start of the match, while Grammy‑winning South African artist Tyla performed her anthem.

Tyla, known for hits such as “Water” and the FIFA song “Game Time,” will return to the World Cup stage this Friday for the United States opening ceremony in Los Angeles, where she will perform alongside Katy Perry, Future, Lisa and Anitta.

Performers in the historic stadium wore indigenous clothing, while others donned all‑gold outfits and held giant golden footballs above their heads.