The 2026 World Cup officially commenced with an opening ceremony held at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium. The event, the stadium’s third time hosting a World Cup opening, drew a crowd of 99,000 spectators. Celebrations included performances by global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy, who closed the ceremony with their song "Dai Dai." Actress Salma Hayek and opera singer Andrea Bocelli also participated in the opening festivities. The ceremony marked the beginning of the tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event aimed to showcase the cultural vibrancy of the host nations and build excitement for the month-long competition. This opening signals a new era for the expanded 48-team World Cup format.