Mexico City dazzles as 2026 World Cup kicks off in style

The 2026 FIFA World Cup began in Mexico City with a vivid and theatrical opening ceremony that turned the rebuilt Azteca Stadium into a stage of light, music and colour.

80,824 spectators filled the historic venue, creating a striking backdrop for an event that blended global entertainment with local cultural identity.

The pre-match ceremony featured large-scale fireworks, sweeping light displays, and performances from internationally recognised artists including Shakira, Burna Boy and J Balvin, alongside Latin and global acts such as Danny Ocean and Fher Olvera.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean singer EJAE also took the audience's breath away during a special performance. The show highlighted both international pop influence and regional musical styles, setting an energetic tone before kick-off.

The stadium itself holds a unique place in World Cup history, having previously hosted tournament openers in 1970 and 1986. With this edition, it became the first ground to stage the opening match three times, underlining its symbolic importance in global football.

Officially renamed Mexico City Stadium but still widely known as Azteca, it marked Mexico’s return as a co-host alongside the United States and Canada.

Inside the arena, fans filled the stands in national colours, waving flags, singing, and recording the spectacle as the tournament returned to Mexico for the first time in four decades. Performers also incorporated indigenous-inspired attire and gold-themed costumes, adding visual layers that reflected cultural heritage and celebration.

The opening match between Mexico and South Africa followed the ceremony, with hosts Mexico securing a 2-0 win in front of a jubilant home crowd. The game also saw disciplinary drama, with South Africa reduced to nine players after multiple red cards. Mexico also had a player sent off during the game.

As the opening night concluded, the stadium atmosphere reflected both spectacle and significance: a global tournament launched in colour, sound, and contrast, with football firmly at its centre.

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