Mexico City played host to the 2026 World Cup opener as an emotionally charged Azteca Stadium witnessed Shakira’s return, with all 83,000 seats filled 90 minutes before kick-off despite road closures and protests. Fans walked miles along closed motorways from 8am to secure their places, creating a stirring spectacle of sombreros and the first Mexican Wave of the tournament.
Shakira headlined the opening ceremony, performing the official song Dai Dai alongside Burna Boy, J Balvin and Danny Ocean. Her 2010 hit Waka Waka remains a cultural phenomenon with over 4.4bn YouTube views, though more than £7m raised from its proceeds for charity remains unaccounted for. Andrea Bocelli also performed the anthem DNA before kick-off.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino adopted a more subdued tone compared to previous tournaments, acknowledging the organisation's limited influence on immigration and security policy in the US. Mexico took full advantage of a sloppy South Africa side, scoring after nine minutes through Julián Quiñones, with wingers Roberto Alvarado and Quiñones looking threatening throughout.
The hosts’ extended preparation, including a mandatory five-week training camp for Liga MX players, showed in their sharp performance. While South Korea and Czechia await, Mexico’s encouraging start suggests they would be no pushovers for England in a potential last-16 meeting. The match, played in 22-degree heat with mandatory hydration breaks, set a tone of endurance for the tournament.
