After four years of anticipation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This is the first of 104 matches across 39 days that will consume the entire planet.
Before a ball is kicked, the Estadio Azteca, the largest stadium in Latin America with a capacity of nearly 87,500, turns into one of the most spectacular stages in sporting history. Shakira, the four-time Grammy winner known as the Queen of Latin Music, headlines the opening ceremony alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy, performing Dai Dai, the official anthem of the tournament, live for the very first time. The song, written by Shakira, Burna Boy, Ed Sheeran, and Jon Bellion, among others, was released on 15 May and takes its name from an Italian expression meaning “come on, come on.” Also taking the stage are Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and South African singer Tyla.
The ceremony celebrates Mexican culture through Indigenous performers, contemporary folkloric acts, and the traditional art of papel picado. It begins 90 minutes before kick-off and can be watched live in the UK on ITV1.
This is the 23rd FIFA World Cup and by far the largest. For the first time ever, 48 national teams compete across 12 groups in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 16 host cities spread across an entire continent. More nations mean more stories, more upsets, and more moments that will define careers and break hearts in equal measure. The final takes place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and the halftime show will be headlined by Shakira, Madonna, and K-pop group BTS in the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show.
The star power on the pitch matches everything off it. Lionel Messi returns for what is almost certainly his final World Cup, the defending champion making one last attempt to add to the glory of Qatar 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo is also here chasing the one trophy that has eluded him throughout a career that has defined an era. Teen prodigy Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are ready to write their own chapters on the grandest stage, while Harry Kane leads England’s most optimistic squad in years under Thomas Tuchel.
For North London fans, the tournament brings genuine excitement. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Eberechi Eze all carry the hopes of Arsenal and England into the competition. England face Croatia in Arlington on 17 June, with a winnable group that could take Tuchel’s side deep into the knockout rounds for the third consecutive tournament.
Two more opening ceremonies follow tomorrow. Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette headline in Toronto before Canada’s opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Katy Perry and Future perform in Los Angeles ahead of the United States against Paraguay.
