Shakira, Belinda, J Balvin and an international lineup of stars to headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup

The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup this Thursday transformed the Mexico City Stadium into a grand global musical stage, with an artistic display that brought together some of the most prominent figures in international music.

The show was headlined by Shakira, Belinda, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Lila Downs, Maná, Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández, Andrea Bocelli, and EJAE in a gala that combined live music, cultural scenography, and moments of great symbolic significance before the tournament's first match.

The event's opening was led by Lila Downs, who offered a performance with references to pre-Hispanic roots and a message of unity, marking the beginning of a ceremony focused on Mexican identity.

Next came Maná, who contributed the rock component with one of their most recognized songs, followed by Danny Ocean, who ignited the audience with an urban-style performance and choreographies on the stadium's pitch. The musical block continued with the appearance of Los Ángeles Azules alongside Belinda, who starred in one of the most chanted moments of the night with their collaboration on stage.

The energy of the show escalated with the performance of J Balvin, who displayed his reggaeton repertoire before a completely dedicated stadium, consolidating the festive tone of the ceremony.

One of the most anticipated moments arrived with Shakira, who became one of the great protagonists of the inauguration with a high-impact visual and choreographic performance, accompanied by Burna Boy.

The international dimension of the event was reinforced by the participation of Alejandro Fernández, in charge of interpreting the Mexican National Anthem, and of Andrea Bocelli and EJAE, who presented the official FIFA anthem, in a fusion of opera and contemporary music.

With this display of artists and styles, the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup left an image of a global spectacle before the start of the championship.