Shakira, Burna Boy Electrify 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Shakira and Burna Boy headlined the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.
- The performance featured the tournament's official anthem, "Dai Dai," which has gained significant global traction since its release.
- The 48-team tournament kicked off at the renovated Estadio Azteca, with matches scheduled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy captivated the estimated 80,000 spectators with a high-energy joint performance.
The ceremony, held in the newly renovated stadium, was a spectacle of fireworks, elaborate choreography, and a massive display of the World Cup trophy. The global football event will span across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring an expanded 48 teams and 104 matches, concluding on July 19.
The highlight of the ceremony was the live debut of the tournament's official anthem, "Dai Dai." Performed by Shakira and Burna Boy, the song has already garnered substantial global engagement and international visibility on streaming platforms since its mid-May release, according to early industry reception.
Shakira, adorned in a striking yellow outfit, led a dynamic dance troupe, with Burna Boy joining for his vocal contributions. Their performance quickly became a trending topic online, underscoring the artists' widespread appeal and the anticipation for the tournament.
Dai Dai
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.