The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway with a star-studded opening ceremony in Mexico City, held at Mexico City Stadium ahead of the tournament’s first match between Mexico and South Africa. Multiple outlets report that Shakira performs at the ceremony, alongside other high-profile figures. BBC Sport and BBC News describe a programme featuring artists associated with the World Cup’s official soundtrack and local performers, while The Independent adds that international stars including Andrea Bocelli and Salma Hayek also take part. CBS News and Yahoo Sports note that the tournament is structured with matches across 11 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and that there are three opening-ceremony events as the competition begins.
Euronews describes the event as part of a large-scale tournament held across the three host countries, with matches continuing until the final in New Jersey on 19 July. While some outlets reference wider concerns in the host region, the common reporting focuses on the ceremony’s performances and timing relative to the first kickoff in Mexico City.
