The 23rd FIFA World Cup began with a first in tournament history: three opening ceremonies across three host nations, starting at Mexico City's legendary Estadio Azteca on June 11. Shakira and Burna Boy debuted the official song "Dai Dai" before Mexico delivered a clinical 2-0 victory over South Africa — the first time El Tri has ever won on the opening day of a World Cup.
The Ceremony: Performer by Performer
| Lila Downs | Opened with an Aztec-inspired welcome. "People of the world, welcome to Mexico." |
| Belinda y Los Ángeles Azules | Fused pop and cumbia with "Por Ella," the official World Cup album track. |
| Maná | Stadium-wide singalong of "Oye Mi Amor." Fher Olvera in a long red trench coat. |
| J Balvin + Ryan Castro | Medley: "Que Calor," "Una A La Vez," and "I Like It." |
| Shakira + Burna Boy | "Dai Dai" — official World Cup 2026 song. Arms linked: "Dale, allez, let's go!" |
| Andrea Bocelli + EJAE | Performed "DNA" anthem. 48 flags encircled the pitch. |
| Tyla | Sang South Africa's national anthem. |
| Alejandro Fernández | Mariachi legend sang Mexico's anthem. Entire stadium joined in. |
The Match: History in 90 Minutes
Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of World Cup 2026 at the 9th minute — the first CONCACAF player ever to score the opening goal of any World Cup. Raúl Jiménez, the 35-year-old striker in his fourth World Cup, sealed the win at minute 66. South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole received a red card — fourth player ever sent off in a World Cup opener. Mexico's 17-year-old Gilberto Mora became the youngest player of the tournament.
Canada and USA Take the Stage Friday
Toronto (1:30 PM ET): Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Nora Fatehi, Will Arnett — before Canada vs Bosnia. Los Angeles (4:30 PM PT): Katy Perry, BLACKPINK's LISA, Future, Anitta, Rema — before USA vs Paraguay. Italian agency Balich Wonder Studio produces all three shows.
India's World Cup Moment
With 48 teams — the largest World Cup ever — broadcast rights deals are projected to bring these matches to over 200 million Indian viewers. The expanded format means more Asian slots, potentially accelerating India's long-term World Cup qualification ambitions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called India a "sleeping giant" of world football.
Sources: TODAY.com, FIFA, NBC News, USA Today, FOX Sports, BBC News, AS USA, Wikipedia
See also: World Cup Day 4 Preview: Germany Begins Campaign vs Curaçao, · World Cup Day 3: Brazil Held 1-1 by Morocco, Qatar 95th-Minu
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