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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 11, 2026, 23:47:15 IST
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Highlights: Shakira, Burna Boy bring azteca to life as World Cup opening ceremony concludes
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Highlights: Welcome to our live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony and tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa.
Football's biggest event returns with a historic edition that will redefine the World Cup. For the first time, 48 teams will compete for the trophy, while three nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — share hosting duties across 16 cities.
The festivities begin in Mexico City, where a spectacular opening ceremony is expected to showcase the culture, music and footballing passion of the host nation. Fans will also be eagerly awaiting performances from international music stars Shakira and Burna Boy, who are set to perform the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem.
The opening ceremony marks the start of a month-long football festival that will feature 104 matches and countless storylines. From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo potentially appearing in their final World Cup to the emergence of new global stars, the tournament promises unforgettable moments.
Once the celebrations conclude, attention will shift to the pitch as Mexico face South Africa in a remarkable repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener. Back then, the sides played out a memorable 1-1 draw in Johannesburg. Sixteen years later, they meet again on the opening night of another World Cup.
Mexico will be looking to make the most of home advantage and begin their campaign with a victory, while South Africa will hope to spoil the party and make an early statement.
Throughout the evening, we will bring you every major development from inside the stadium, including ceremony highlights, celebrity appearances, fan reactions, team news, warm-ups, tactical insights and live updates from the opening match.
Stay tuned as football's grandest stage comes alive and the journey toward crowning the FIFA World Cup 2026 champion officially begins.
Football's biggest event returns with a historic edition that will redefine the World Cup. For the first time, 48 teams will compete for the trophy, while three nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — share hosting duties across 16 cities.
The festivities begin in Mexico City, where a spectacular opening ceremony is expected to showcase the culture, music and footballing passion of the host nation. Fans will also be eagerly awaiting performances from international music stars Shakira and Burna Boy, who are set to perform the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem.
The opening ceremony marks the start of a month-long football festival that will feature 104 matches and countless storylines. From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo potentially appearing in their final World Cup to the emergence of new global stars, the tournament promises unforgettable moments.
Once the celebrations conclude, attention will shift to the pitch as Mexico face South Africa in a remarkable repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener. Back then, the sides played out a memorable 1-1 draw in Johannesburg. Sixteen years later, they meet again on the opening night of another World Cup.
Mexico will be looking to make the most of home advantage and begin their campaign with a victory, while South Africa will hope to spoil the party and make an early statement.
Throughout the evening, we will bring you every major development from inside the stadium, including ceremony highlights, celebrity appearances, fan reactions, team news, warm-ups, tactical insights and live updates from the opening match.
Stay tuned as football's grandest stage comes alive and the journey toward crowning the FIFA World Cup 2026 champion officially begins.
23:40 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Opening ceremony concludes
The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony has come to an end, bringing a spectacular start to football's biggest tournament.
The celebrations reached their climax as Shakira and Burna Boy wrapped up their performance of the official World Cup anthem, Dai Dai, drawing huge cheers from the packed crowd inside Estadio Azteca.
With the music and festivities now over, the focus shifts to the action on the pitch. The tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa is next on the agenda, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 AM IST.
The celebrations reached their climax as Shakira and Burna Boy wrapped up their performance of the official World Cup anthem, Dai Dai, drawing huge cheers from the packed crowd inside Estadio Azteca.
With the music and festivities now over, the focus shifts to the action on the pitch. The tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa is next on the agenda, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 AM IST.
23:29 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Shakira and Burna Boy time
The opening ceremony has reached one of its most anticipated moments as Colombian superstar Shakira takes the stage at Estadio Azteca.
Shakira is performing the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, Dai Dai, alongside Nigerian music star Burna Boy. The performance has brought the crowd to life, with fans inside the stadium soaking in the spectacle as the tournament's anthem echoes around the iconic venue.
Shakira is performing the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, Dai Dai, alongside Nigerian music star Burna Boy. The performance has brought the crowd to life, with fans inside the stadium soaking in the spectacle as the tournament's anthem echoes around the iconic venue.
23:26 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: J Balvin performs at FIFA World Cup 2026
The star-studded opening ceremony continues at Estadio Azteca with Colombian music sensation J Balvin taking centre stage.
The global superstar has joined the celebrations with a live performance of one of his biggest hits, adding an international flavour to the spectacle. He is sharing the stage with another singer as the duo entertain the packed crowd in Mexico City.
The global superstar has joined the celebrations with a live performance of one of his biggest hits, adding an international flavour to the spectacle. He is sharing the stage with another singer as the duo entertain the packed crowd in Mexico City.
23:20 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Mexico's culture takes centre stage
The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony is underway, and the first performance is a vibrant tribute to Mexico's rich culture and history. Hundreds of dancers have taken over the field, creating stunning formations around a giant World Cup trophy placed at the centre of the stadium.
The performance also serves as Mexico's official welcome to fans from across the globe as the host nation opens football's biggest tournament in style.
The atmosphere has risen another level with the arrival of Mexican pop band Mana. The home crowd erupted as the group took centre stage, adding a musical spark to the celebrations. The dancers remain part of the show, but the energy and rhythm of the ceremony have shifted as the performance continues to captivate the packed Estadio Azteca.
The performance also serves as Mexico's official welcome to fans from across the globe as the host nation opens football's biggest tournament in style.
The atmosphere has risen another level with the arrival of Mexican pop band Mana. The home crowd erupted as the group took centre stage, adding a musical spark to the celebrations. The dancers remain part of the show, but the energy and rhythm of the ceremony have shifted as the performance continues to captivate the packed Estadio Azteca.
23:17 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Opening ceremony begins at Estadio Azteca
The wait is finally over. The opening ceremony has begun at the iconic Estadio Azteca, officially launching the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Fans inside the packed stadium are witnessing the start of football's biggest tournament, with the celebrations marking the beginning of a historic edition that will feature 48 teams across three host nations.
Fans inside the packed stadium are witnessing the start of football's biggest tournament, with the celebrations marking the beginning of a historic edition that will feature 48 teams across three host nations.
23:13 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: South Africa and Mexico arrive as opening ceremony draws near
South Africa have arrived at the stadium and are making their way to the dressing room after stepping off the team bus.
The venue is now packed with fans, with a sea of green visible across the stands as supporters eagerly await the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony.
Mexico's players have also arrived and are completing their final preparations. With both teams now at the ground, the opening ceremony is set to begin shortly.
The venue is now packed with fans, with a sea of green visible across the stands as supporters eagerly await the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony.
Mexico's players have also arrived and are completing their final preparations. With both teams now at the ground, the opening ceremony is set to begin shortly.
23:08 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Will Egypt finally end their long wait for a World Cup victory?
Egypt arrive at FIFA World Cup 2026 carrying an unwanted statistic. The Pharaohs have played seven World Cup matches without recording a single victory. Their opening clash against Belgium offers an immediate opportunity to rewrite that narrative. With every tournament producing emotional stories, Egypt will hope this is the year they finally celebrate a breakthrough win on football's biggest stage.
23:03 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Will FIFA World Cup 2026 rewrite the tournament's goal-scoring records?
The first 22 editions of the World Cup have produced 2,720 goals, but the expanded format could push the competition into uncharted territory. With 40 additional matches compared to previous tournaments, the record of 172 goals set in Qatar 2022 appears vulnerable. Fans can expect attacking football, fresh rivalries and countless opportunities for records to tumble as the tournament unfolds across North America.
22:55 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: From Craig Gordon to Gilbert Mora: A World Cup bridging generations
The age gap at FIFA World Cup 2026 perfectly illustrates the tournament's unique appeal. Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon enters as the oldest player at 43 years of age, while Mexican wonderkid Gilbert Mora is just 17. More than 25 years separate the two.
As experienced veterans chase one final shot at glory and teenage prodigies seek to announce themselves on the world stage, the tournament promises a fascinating blend of youth and experience unlike any other.
As experienced veterans chase one final shot at glory and teenage prodigies seek to announce themselves on the world stage, the tournament promises a fascinating blend of youth and experience unlike any other.
22:45 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Will Four New Nations Announce Themselves on Football's Biggest Stage?
Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are preparing for a moment their supporters have dreamed about for generations. All four nations will make their FIFA World Cup debuts in 2026, bringing fresh stories and new identities to the global stage.
The pressure will be immense, but so will the opportunity. Every debutant enters the tournament hoping to become the next underdog success story and prove that football's traditional hierarchy can still be challenged.
The pressure will be immense, but so will the opportunity. Every debutant enters the tournament hoping to become the next underdog success story and prove that football's traditional hierarchy can still be challenged.
22:40 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Event: Can France Join an Exclusive Club With a Third Straight World Cup Final?
France begin the tournament chasing a rare piece of football history. After winning the World Cup in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022, Didier Deschamps' side are aiming to become just the third nation ever to reach three consecutive finals.
Only West Germany and Brazil have previously achieved the feat. With a squad packed with talent and experience, Les Bleus will once again be among the favourites, but history suggests repeating such success is one of the toughest challenges in international football.
Only West Germany and Brazil have previously achieved the feat. With a squad packed with talent and experience, Les Bleus will once again be among the favourites, but history suggests repeating such success is one of the toughest challenges in international football.
22:35 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Will Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Deliver One Last World Cup Masterclass?
Football's two defining figures of the modern era are preparing for what could be their final appearances on the World Cup stage. Cristiano Ronaldo arrives with a record 226 international caps and the distinction of scoring in five different World Cups.
Messi already owns the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 matches and remains the reigning world champion. Fans across the globe will savour every moment as two legends attempt to extend their remarkable legacies in football's grandest tournament.
Messi already owns the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 matches and remains the reigning world champion. Fans across the globe will savour every moment as two legends attempt to extend their remarkable legacies in football's grandest tournament.
22:30 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Can Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappe Break Miroslav Klose's World Cup Goal Record?
One of the most fascinating subplots of FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the race for the all-time World Cup scoring record. Germany's Miroslav Klose has held the benchmark of 16 goals since 2014, but the record is now under genuine threat.
Lionel Messi arrives with 13 World Cup goals, while Kylian Mbappe already has 12 despite still being in his twenties. With the expanded format offering more matches, both stars have a realistic chance of rewriting history. Every goal could bring them closer to one of football's most prestigious individual records.
Lionel Messi arrives with 13 World Cup goals, while Kylian Mbappe already has 12 despite still being in his twenties. With the expanded format offering more matches, both stars have a realistic chance of rewriting history. Every goal could bring them closer to one of football's most prestigious individual records.
22:25 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Event: Can FIFA's expanded 48-team format deliver more drama than ever before?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to usher in a new era with an expanded 48-team format. For decades, 32 nations battled for football's biggest prize, but this year an additional 16 teams will join the party.
The new structure brings 104 matches across 39 days and introduces a Round of 32, ensuring more knockout football than ever before.
While traditional powers remain favourites, the expansion also creates opportunities for emerging nations to spring surprises. With more teams, more matches and more storylines, fans can expect a tournament packed with unpredictability from the opening whistle to the final.
The new structure brings 104 matches across 39 days and introduces a Round of 32, ensuring more knockout football than ever before.
While traditional powers remain favourites, the expansion also creates opportunities for emerging nations to spring surprises. With more teams, more matches and more storylines, fans can expect a tournament packed with unpredictability from the opening whistle to the final.
22:13 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Event: Mexico Aim to Give Home Fans the Perfect Start
Once the opening ceremony concludes, all eyes will turn to Mexico's clash against South Africa. Backed by a passionate home crowd, El Tri enter the tournament eager to begin with a victory. The pressure and expectations are immense, but so is the opportunity. A win would ignite excitement across the host nation and provide the perfect launchpad for Mexico's World Cup campaign.
22:12 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: A World Cup like never before gets underway
The FIFA World Cup has entered a new era. With 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations, this is officially the biggest tournament in the competition's history. More nations have qualified, more fans are involved and more opportunities exist for surprises. The expanded format means every group-stage match carries added significance as teams chase a place in the knockout rounds.
22:11 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Event: Mexico and South Africa renew a unique World Cup rivalry
There is a remarkable sense of déjà vu surrounding tonight's opener. Sixteen years ago, Mexico and South Africa launched the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg. Now, on another opening night, the same two nations will once again begin football's biggest tournament. Fans will remember Siphiwe Tshabalala's iconic goal in 2010, and both teams will hope to create fresh memories in Mexico City.
22:11 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony: Shakira and Burna Boy Set to Light Up Opening Ceremony
Music and football will come together on the biggest stage as global superstar Shakira and Nigerian sensation Burna Boy prepare to perform the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song. Thousands inside the stadium and millions watching worldwide are eagerly awaiting the show, which is expected to celebrate the diversity and culture of the host nations. The performances will set the tone for what promises to be a spectacular tournament.
22:10 (IST) Jun 11
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: The Wait Is Over as FIFA World Cup 2026 Finally Begins
The countdown has ended. After years of anticipation, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here. Mexico City is buzzing with excitement as fans pour into the stadium for the opening ceremony and tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa. This edition will be remembered as the first 48-team World Cup and the first to be hosted by three countries. History is already being made before a ball has even been kicked.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Highlights: The wait is finally over. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is here, and football's greatest spectacle begins with a historic opening ceremony in Mexico City before co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the tournament opener.
This edition of the World Cup is unlike any before it. For the first time in history, the competition features 48 teams and is being jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. The expanded format promises more matches, more drama and more opportunities for footballing history to be made over the coming weeks.
Before the action starts on the pitch, fans around the world will turn their attention to the opening ceremony, which is expected to celebrate the culture, passion and diversity of the host nations. Global music icon Shakira and Nigerian superstar Burna Boy are set to perform the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, adding further excitement to an already unforgettable occasion.
The opening match itself carries a fascinating storyline. Sixteen years after Mexico and South Africa met in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, the two nations will once again kick off football's biggest tournament. With a packed stadium, millions watching worldwide and history waiting to be written, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Stay with us for live updates, performances, special guests, fan reactions, ceremony highlights and all the build-up to the first match of FIFA World Cup 2026. From the opening celebrations to the first whistle, we have you covered throughout this historic night in Mexico City.
This edition of the World Cup is unlike any before it. For the first time in history, the competition features 48 teams and is being jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. The expanded format promises more matches, more drama and more opportunities for footballing history to be made over the coming weeks.
Before the action starts on the pitch, fans around the world will turn their attention to the opening ceremony, which is expected to celebrate the culture, passion and diversity of the host nations. Global music icon Shakira and Nigerian superstar Burna Boy are set to perform the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, adding further excitement to an already unforgettable occasion.
The opening match itself carries a fascinating storyline. Sixteen years after Mexico and South Africa met in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, the two nations will once again kick off football's biggest tournament. With a packed stadium, millions watching worldwide and history waiting to be written, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Stay with us for live updates, performances, special guests, fan reactions, ceremony highlights and all the build-up to the first match of FIFA World Cup 2026. From the opening celebrations to the first whistle, we have you covered throughout this historic night in Mexico City.
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