The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off in spectacular fashion as global music stars Burna Boy and Shakira headlined a colourful opening ceremony that captivated football fans from around the world.
The ceremony took place at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of football's most iconic venues and the stadium that previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup finals.
Thousands of supporters packed the 80,000-capacity arena as excitement reached fever pitch ahead of the tournament's opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
The event marked the beginning of the largest FIFA World Cup in history, featuring 48 national teams competing across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening came when Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy joined Colombian music icon Shakira on stage.
The pair performed "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing loud cheers and enthusiastic reactions from spectators inside the stadium.
Their performance combined energetic choreography, vibrant visuals, and powerful vocals that reflected the global nature of the tournament.
Fans responded with excitement as the two international stars delivered a performance that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the opening ceremony.
For Burna Boy, the appearance represented another major milestone in his growing international career and reinforced Afrobeats' increasing influence on the global entertainment stage.
The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer has continued to expand his global reach through collaborations and performances at some of the world's biggest events.
Shakira's participation also attracted significant attention because of her long-standing association with FIFA World Cup celebrations.
The Colombian superstar has previously delivered memorable performances linked to several World Cup tournaments, including the globally celebrated "Waka Waka" anthem in 2010.
Beyond Burna Boy and Shakira, the ceremony featured appearances from several international entertainers who contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Artists including J Balvin and renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also performed before kickoff as organisers sought to create a world-class spectacle.
Dancers filled the stadium with colourful routines while fireworks illuminated the sky above the venue.
A giant model of the FIFA World Cup trophy formed part of the visual display as performers celebrated football's global appeal.
The opening ceremony highlighted Mexico's rich culture and its important place in football history.
Supporters from different countries joined in the celebrations as the tournament officially began after years of preparation.
Many fans described the atmosphere as unforgettable as music and football combined to create a unique sporting spectacle.
The ceremony served as a reminder of how major sporting events continue to unite people from diverse backgrounds through entertainment and competition.
Attention quickly shifted to the football action after the performances concluded, with Mexico opening its campaign against South Africa.
The tournament is expected to run until July 19 and will feature more matches and participating nations than any previous World Cup edition.
Organisers believe the expanded format will provide more opportunities for nations to compete on football's biggest stage.
For Nigerian fans, Burna Boy's prominent role in the opening ceremony provided an additional reason to celebrate the start of the global football festival.
His performance alongside Shakira underscored the growing international recognition of African music and culture.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins its historic journey across North America, the opening ceremony has already delivered a memorable moment that many fans are likely to remember long after the final whistle is blown.