RismadarVoice Reporters, June 12, 2026
Nigerian music star, Burna Boy and Colombian singer, Shakira headlined the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday as the global football tournament officially got underway.
The ceremony opened with a live performance of the official World Cup anthem, DNA, by renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and K-pop singer Ejae before hosts Mexico faced South Africa in the tournament’s opening match.
Although the anthem features contributions from David Guetta and Megan Thee Stallion, neither artiste attended the ceremony.
Fans were also entertained by performances from Burna Boy and Shakira, who performed Dai Dai, while South African musician Tyler ICU delivered the South African national anthem.
Away from the opening match, Los Angeles hosted a series of football-themed events, concerts and fan experiences as part of activities marking the start of the tournament.
Sportswear company adidas launched its “Home of Soccer” activation at BMO Stadium in partnership with the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, turning the venue into a free public fan zone.
The celebrations also featured performances by Peso Pluma and Christian Pulisic, who narrated a drone show ahead of the United States’ opening fixture against Paraguay.
Elsewhere in Los Angeles, comedian Kevin Hart led festivities at the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club, with performances from Ludacris, DJ Pee Wee and Disco Lines.
The celebrations are set to continue throughout the tournament, with Coca-Cola and Spotify hosting fan events and watch parties, while Sports Illustrated’s “SI Beyond the Pitch” series will feature performances by Nelly, Gordo and The Chainsmokers across several World Cup host cities.
