The 2026 World Cup commenced with an opening ceremony at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium, marking the stadium’s third time hosting such an event. The tournament, the largest ever organized, began with a match between Mexico and South Africa. A prominent lineup of Latin American artists, including Shakira, J Balvin, Maná, and Alejandro Fernández, performed before the game, creating a celebratory atmosphere. The ceremony blended music, remembrance, and the spirit of football. The event highlighted the continental scope of the expanded World Cup. This opening signifies a historic moment for the sport and the host nation. The ceremony was reported by Lima Gris.