Mexico World Cup opening ceremony details: What to know about Shakira, Burna Boy and more

On Thursday afternoon in Mexico, the 2026 World Cup will begin with an opening ceremony. The stars included in that list range far and wide, from Shakira to Tyla.

While Shakira and Burna Boy's "Dai Dai," the official song for the 2026 World Cup, maintains a heavy look in the spotlight, all of the artists performing at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will bring the stadium to its feet in a raucous manner.

Some artists certainly have a larger fan base than others, but opening ceremonies have the ability for musicians to grow their fan bases in an international fashion. Many around the world will be able to tune in, thanks to the details listed below.

Mexico 2026 World Cup opening ceremony details

This year's opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca will feature a star-studded lineup of musical artists. For the second time in her career, Shakira will have another official World Cup song in "DAI DAI." She is the first artist to have two official songs at the World Cup. Along with her will be Burna Boy, who is a Nigerian artist who primarily focuses on afrobeats.

Here are the following artists who will take to the stage in Mexico City:

• Shakira
• Burna Boy
• J Balvin
• Alejandro Fernandez
• Belinda
• Danny Ocean
• Lila Downs
• Los Angeles Azules
• Mana
• Tyla

The ceremony will begin at around 1:30 p.m. ET and feature a wide array of artists from around the globe. While many of the artists in Mexico City are from the Latin music scene, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has made sure to note that the ceremonies encapsulate a global audience.

“The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it,” said Infantino, according to FIFA. “Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament. It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration.”

On Tuesday afternoon, FIFA also shared some details about national anthem singers and ambassadors for Mexico's opening ceremony. Alejandro Fernandez is currently slated to sing Mexico's national anthem, while Tyla will deliver the South African national anthem. Mexican-American Academy Award-nominated actress, director, and producer Salma Hayek Pinault will serve as her country's World Cup 2026 Ambassador. Finally, Colombian rapper and singer Ryan Castro will join J Balvin on the stage to perform during the ceremony.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Ranking World Cup groups from hardest to easiest
• 10 World Cup teams with best chance to win
• Ranking 7 best matches of the World Cup

What time does the Mexico 2026 World Cup opening ceremony start?

• Day: Thursday, June 11
• Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

How to watch the Mexico 2026 Olympics opening ceremony

The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 World Cup will feature numerous A-list stars. The World Cup opening ceremonies can be viewed all around the world. Here is how to tune in from around the globe.