DistantNews
Support us
🇻🇪 Venezuela /Sports

Danny Ocean, Shakira, J Balvin open 2026 World Cup at Azteca Stadium

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Danny Ocean, Maná, Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules, and J Balvin performed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.
  • The ceremony at the Estadio Azteca featured performances inspired by Mexican culture and celebrated the tournament's return to Mexico after 40 years.
  • The World Cup will be hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with 48 teams competing in 104 matches.

The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City vibrated with energy as Danny Ocean, Maná, Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules, and J Balvin took the stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean kicked off the musical festivities with "Partidazo," the first song from the official World Cup album. He performed amidst a vibrant backdrop of dancers and imagery celebrating Mexican culture, earning a roaring ovation from the crowd.

Partidazo

— Danny OceanThe song Danny Ocean performed at the opening ceremony.

Following Ocean's performance, Mexican rock band Maná delivered their classic hit "Oye mi amor." Earlier, singer Lila Downs, dressed in a traditional white huipil, led a performance paying homage to Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures, accompanied by dancers in indigenous attire. The musical lineup continued with "Por ella," a collaboration between Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules, another popular track from the World Cup album.

Oye mi amor

— ManáThe classic hit performed by the band.

J Balvin brought a festive Latin party atmosphere to the stage, performing "Qué calor" and "I Like It." He appeared in the colors of the Mexican national team, red and green, before introducing his compatriot Shakira. The Colombian superstar then performed "Dai Dai," a duet with Nigerian artist Burna Boy, captivating the international and local fans gathered at the Azteca.

Qué calor

— J BalvinOne of the songs performed by the Colombian artist.

Shakira, adorned in a yellow and purple outfit, opened her performance with "Dai Dai" as the World Cup trophy gleamed at the center of the stadium. The elaborate staging set the stage for the tournament, which will feature 48 national teams playing 104 matches across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This marks a significant moment for Mexico, hosting the World Cup again 40 years after the 1986 tournament.

I Like It

— J BalvinAnother song performed by J Balvin.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.