How did the World Cup opening ceremony look?

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony at Azteca

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup officially opened with a star-studded ceremony at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The performances included Shakira and Burna Boy, and the ceremony featured a giant World Cup trophy that was inaugurated as part of the event.

What viewers saw

The coverage emphasizes the mix of international pop talent and large-scale spectacle:

• A headline music lineup centered on globally known artists.
• A major presentation of the tournament trophy in connection with the official start.
• A staged, high-production opening event designed to spotlight Mexico City and build atmosphere for the first matches.

Why it matters

Beyond entertainment, the ceremony served as a public kickoff for a tournament that spans multiple host countries across North America. The opening event also set a tone for how politics, national pride, and global attention converge around the World Cup—an intersection reflected in additional stories about stadium surroundings and fan behavior.

Where the US fits in

Because the tournament is also being played in the United States, the ceremony’s global branding and media reach have direct US implications for broadcasting demand, travel planning, and public health messaging as crowds gather. In short, the opening spectacle wasn’t just a pageant; it launched a month-long global event that will affect sports audiences and logistics across the region, including in the US.