Shakira, Burna Boy Ignite FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony With “Dai Dai”
Shakira, Burna Boy energise World Cup opener with performance
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially got underway on Thursday with a vibrant opening ceremony at the iconic Azteca Stadium, where global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy delivered a performance that set the tone for football's biggest tournament. The ceremony took place ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, drawing loud cheers from a packed crowd.
The tournament marks a historic expansion of the World Cup, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. Co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the competition will culminate with the final in New Jersey on July 19. Thousands of fans filled the renovated Azteca Stadium, one of football's most storied venues, which previously hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986.
A colourful display of music, dance, and pyrotechnics entertained spectators before kickoff. Dancers performed around a giant replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy while fireworks illuminated the stadium, adding to the festive atmosphere. The ceremony celebrated the start of a month-long football spectacle expected to attract billions of viewers worldwide.
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The biggest highlight of the evening came when Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy took to the stage to perform “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their energetic performance drew roaring applause from fans and transformed the stadium into a giant celebration ahead of the opening whistle.
Other notable performers included Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin and renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Their appearances helped build anticipation as excitement reached fever pitch before the tournament's opening match.
Fans attending the event described the atmosphere as unforgettable. “It's already a party in Mexico,” supporter Ingrid Orozco, 40, told AFP, while 19-year-old Gustavo Ramírez simply summed up the mood by saying, “It's amazing.” Their reactions reflected the enthusiasm surrounding a World Cup that promises to be one of the largest and most ambitious in the competition's history.
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