Maná Rocks Halftime Show at Mexico vs. England World Cup Match

As Mexico trailed England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup, the Estadio Ciudad de México shifted focus from soccer to music. During halftime, the renowned Mexican band Maná took the stage for a special performance. Actor Jaime Camil and boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez introduced the band, led by Fher Olvera, who launched into a rock rendition of "El Rey," a classic by José Alfredo Jiménez that has become a symbol of Mexican music.

Before the performance, Camil thanked the audience, and Álvarez rallied the fans with a message of national pride. "Let's not forget that I am here today so that everyone knows how awesome we are and that everyone realizes what Mexico is. This is Mexico," he declared. The band's performance was brief, with a simple stage setup. They wore black, and the show included fire effects and fireworks in the colors of the Mexican flag. Afterward, the stage was quickly removed for the second half of the match.

This halftime show held special significance as it was the last World Cup event in Mexico City. FIFA selected Maná, one of Mexico's most iconic bands, to entertain thousands in the stadium and millions worldwide. Maná had previously performed "Oye mi amor" during the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony, an event watched by over 1.1 billion viewers globally. This halftime show, however, was their first in that specific role for the tournament. The performance also coincided with the band's 40th-anniversary celebrations, as they continue their "Vivir Sin Aire Tour" across the Americas.