Before the first whistle

The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony turned into a spectacular celebration of music and football, featuring performances by some of the world’s biggest stars. Global pop icon Shakira headlined the event with a performance of Dai Dai, the tournament’s official anthem. She was joined by Nigerian music star Burna Boy, drawing huge cheers from the crowd.

The ceremony also featured a memorable collaboration between K-pop singer Ejae and acclaimed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who performed the FIFA global dance anthem DNA. Other performers included Mexican cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules, pop star Belinda, Colombian singers J Balvin and Ryan Castro, Mexican rock band Maná, and South African star Tyla. Their energetic performances created a vibrant mix of contemporary pop, Latin music and classical sounds, setting the stage for football’s biggest tournament.