Event
The 2026 World Cup commenced in Mexico City with an opening ceremony at the Azteca stadium, featuring performances by Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy, and Andrea Bocelli. Mexico, co-hosting with the US and Canada, welcomed thousands of fans for the tournament's first match in 40 years, despite prior concerns regarding infrastructure renovations and local security issues.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially opened at the Estadio Azteca, marking the first joint tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Background
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced on 11 June 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the first tournament jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The event featured an opening ceremony headlined by Shakira, alongside performances by J Balvin, Burna Boy, Andrea Bocelli, and Tyla. This tournament represents a significant shift in global football governance, being the first to feature an expanded 48-team field. The opening match saw co-hosts Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0, with Julian Quinones scoring the tournament’s first goal. The build-up to the event was complicated by infrastructure renovations, security concerns, and local protests, though the atmosphere on the day was described as vibrant by attendees.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced on 11 June 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the first tournament jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The event featured an opening ceremony headlined by Shakira, alongside performances by J Balvin
Fact cards
Key entities: Shakira, Mexico, Azteca stadium, 2026 World Cup, South Africa, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Andrea Bocelli.
11 June 2026: The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commences with an opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, headlined by Shakira. 11 June 2026, 9th minute: Julian Quinones scores the tournament’s first goal for Mexico against South Africa. 11 June 2026, 49th minute:
Timeline
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commences with an opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, headlined by Shakira.
Julian Quinones scores the tournament’s first goal for Mexico against South Africa.
South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole is sent off, reducing his team to ten men.
Raul Jimenez scores Mexico’s second goal.
South Africa’s Themba Zwane is sent off, leaving his team with nine men; Mexico’s Cesar Montes also receives a red card.
Mexico secures a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match.