The 2026 World Cup began in spectacular fashion at Mexico City Stadium, with an opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy before Mexico's comfortable 2-0 win over South Africa. Here are the best images from the day.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
Fireworks lit up the sky as the ceremony kicked off. Mexican fans streamed toward the stadium in high spirits, many wearing traditional dress. The show included performances by J Balvin, Andrea Bocelli, and Ejae, who sang the official FIFA World Cup anthem 'DNA'. Shakira, known as the Queen of the World Cup, performed her new single 'Dai Dai' with Burna Boy. FIFA President Gianni Infantino held the trophy alongside Salma Hayek as fans captured the moment on their phones.
The Match
Mexico dominated from the start. Nine minutes in, Julián Quiñones capitalized on a South African mistake to fire past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. In the second half, South Africa's Yaya Sithole was sent off for a foul on Brian Gutiérrez. Raúl Jiménez headed in a second goal just after the hour mark. Late red cards to Themba Zwane and César Montes marred the game, but Mexico held on for a 2-0 victory.
Fan Reactions
Fans in Mexico City and around the world celebrated. At the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York and the LA Memorial Coliseum, supporters cheered every goal. The victory marked a strong start for El Tri in front of a passionate home crowd.
