How Burna Boy, Shakira Electrified Mexico City As World Cup 2026 Opens In Spectacular Style

Rita Enemuru, Reporting 

AFROBEATS superstar Burna Boy and Colombian icon Shakira brought the house down at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday as the 2026 World Cup kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony.

The historic 80,000-capacity venue in Mexico City – which hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals – was transformed into a riot of colour and sound as dancers twirled around a giant replica of the World Cup trophy and fireworks lit up the night sky.

But it was the joint performance of Dai Dai, the tournament’s official song, that truly sent spectators into raptures. Shakira and Burna Boy delivered an electrifying set that drew roars from the crowd ahead of the Group A opener between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli were also among the performers who graced the stage before kick-off, ramping up the noise levels to fever pitch.

“It’s already a party in Mexico,” beamed 40-year-old supporter Ingrid Orozco.

Nineteen-year-old Gustavo Ramírez added simply: “It’s amazing.”

Chaotic Scenes Outside The Stadium

However, while the atmosphere inside the stadium was one of unbridled celebration, chaotic scenes unfolded in the centre of Mexico City. Thousands of fans pushed and shoved as they attempted to enter the official World Cup fan zone at the Zocalo plaza shortly before the 6pm GMT kick-off.

Access was severely hampered by metal barriers that had been erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers from reaching the area.

“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” a city official shouted through a megaphone while trying to control access to the venue, where the opening match was due to be shown on a giant screen.

Some fans resorted to throwing water bottles and hurling insults at police, while others chanted in support of the Mexican national team.

Twenty-five-year-old fan Javier Maciel did not hold back: “It’s crazy. There could have been better organisation.”

Local authorities eventually announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans try other plazas instead.

President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone, but her attendance was thrown into doubt following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.

The 48-team tournament is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, featuring 104 games in total and culminating in the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 19th July.