World Cup opens with Shakira in Mexico—Katy Perry, Future to perform Friday in L.A.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened Thursday in Mexico City with the first of three opening ceremonies, blending Mexican culture and pop music before the tournament’s first match. The show began more than an hour before kickoff at Estadio Azteca and featured a dance routine inspired by Aztec tradition, according to CBS News.

Mexican band Maná performed “Oye Mi Amor,” followed by artists including Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules and J Balvin, according to the report. Shakira and Burna Boy then performed “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem, which they co-wrote, as reported by ABC News.

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Three host nations, three ceremonies

The Mexico ceremony came before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Group A. According to CBS News, two more opening ceremonies are set for Friday, June 12, with Canada hosting its event in Toronto before its match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the United States at 7:30 p.m. ET staging its ceremony in Los Angeles before facing Paraguay.

Canada’s lineup includes Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé, while the U.S. ceremony will feature Katy Perry, Future, Anitta and others, ABC News reported. FIFA said the opening shows are meant to spotlight the culture of each host nation through music, dance and artistry.

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Shakira is also scheduled to perform at the World Cup final halftime show on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium, alongside Madonna and BTS, according to ABC News. That performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which FIFA said aims to raise $100 million for education and football opportunities for children worldwide.

Fans can watch the ceremonies and matches on Fox, FS1 and Telemundo, with streaming available on Tubi, FOX One and Fox Sports apps.