The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with an opening ceremony in Mexico City, featuring pop star Shakira among the performers. Coverage from multiple outlets says the ceremony takes place at Mexico City Stadium/Estadio Azteca ahead of the first match of the tournament, in which Mexico plays South Africa. BBC Sport and BBC News describe a star-studded event with performers linked to the World Cup’s official music, while other reports highlight the programme’s focus on music and spectacle. CBS News and Yahoo Sports add that the tournament’s opening festivities are spread across three ceremonies, with matches played in 11 cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Euronews notes the event is hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and runs through to the final in New Jersey on 19 July. Some reports also refer to protests or unrest in Mexico City around the start of the tournament, though they do not provide consistent operational details. The accounts broadly agree on Shakira’s appearance, the Mexico City location, and the timing relative to the opening game.