World Cup 2026 opening ceremony live updates, reviews on Shakira and other performances in Mexico

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The 2026 World Cup is, quite literally, the biggest in the competition's history.

That's not necessarily a good thing. The famous tournament has been been shrouded in controversy, with FIFA's relationship with Donald Trump, the United States' treatment of immigrants and more coming under fire in the months ahead of the start of action.

Alas, the competition is finally here. FIFA will hope attention will turn towards the pitch. To that end, soccer's governing body has enlisted some heavy-hitters to kick off its festival of feet.

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Before then, luminaries will traipse onto the hollowed ground of Estadio Azteca for the opening ceremony.

Shakira will lead the proceeding, serving as the event's headliner. She'll be joined by a host of other dignitaries, from famed rapper J Balvin to South African superstar Tyla.

Suffice to say, the eyes of the world will be cast to the stage when Shakira and Co. takes the field.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Thursday's opening ceremony. Follow below for reviews and analysis from what figures to be a memorable display on the glint Azteca terrain.

STREAM: Watch the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony live on fubo (U.S. only free trial)

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony live updates, reviews on Shakira and others

(All times Eastern)

Updates will start closer to the opening ceremony's 1:30 p.m. ET start time.

Who is in World Cup opening ceremony?

• Shakira
• Burna Boy
• J Balvin
• Ryan Castro
• Belinda
• Danny Ocean
• Lila Downs
• Los Angeles Azules
• Mana
• Alejandro Fernandez (Mexican anthem)
• Tyla (South African anthem)
• Salma Hayek Pinault (FIFA ambassador)

The star-studded list of performers in Mexico City's opening ceremony is headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy, who will be performing their official World Cup song "Dai Dai."

FIFA also announced Academy Award-nominated actress, director and producer Salma Hayek Pinault as the ceremony's host, with Alejandro Fernandez and Tyla performing the national anthems before the Mexico vs. South Africa match gets under way.

World Cup opening ceremony start time

• Date: Thursday, June 11
• Time: 1:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. local time)

The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony kicks off on Thursday, June 11 at 11:30 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. ET) in Mexico City, about 90 minutes before the start of Mexico's clash with South Africa. The festival will take place at Estadio Azteca, Mexico's most famous sporting colosseum.

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How to watch World Cup opening ceremony

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo

The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup will air live on Fox, the long-standing home of FIFA's signature competition. Viewers in the U.S. can stream the event live with fubo, which offers a free trial for new users

Fox has recruited an impressive cast of characters to lead its World Cup coverage, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry and Peter Schmeichel. Rob Stone, Rebecca Lowe, Jules Breach and Pien Meulensteen will serve as the presenters during the spectacle, which will span from June 11 to July 19.

How long is the World Cup opening ceremony?

The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony is expected to last 90 minutes.

The hour-and-a-half duration is standard procedure, taking place right before the opening game of the tournament. El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana at Estadio Azteca at 3 p.m. ET, so the field will have be cleared and ready for use shortly after the likes of Shakira and Burna Boy take the stage.