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In pictures: FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off with spectacular opening ceremony in Mexico

From Shakira and Burna Boy to dazzling performances and packed crowds, here's how the tournament began.

By Emirates247 Published: 2026-06-11T22:42:00+04:00 1 min read
Fher Olvera, lead singer of Mexican pop rock band Mana performs before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. Picture credit: AP
Fher Olvera, lead singer of Mexican pop rock band Mana performs before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. Picture credit: AP

Dubai: The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today, with host Mexico and South Africa facing off. 

But before the action commences, fans were treated to plenty of entertainment on the pitch during the opening ceremony. With this already set to be the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams and an astounding 104 games, the opening ceremony was no ordinary affair.

Mexico is the first nation to host three World Cups as they join the United States and Canada as co-hosts for a North American tournament. Although technically, each host nation will have their own opening ceremony, only one gets to do it first. Mexico takes the honours today.

The opening ceremony featured performers and artistes Shakira, alongside Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana, Tyla, Ryan Castro, and Salma Hayek Pinaut.

Check out some of the highlights below:

The packed stadium is seeing the first group match today, between Mexico and South Africa. Picture credit: AP
The packed stadium is seeing the first group match today, between Mexico and South Africa. Picture credit: AP
Shakira performs during the opening ceremony before the match. Picture credit: Reuters
Shakira performs during the opening ceremony before the match. Picture credit: Reuters
Singer Shakira performs on the pitch during the opening ceremony before the start of the World Cup Group A match. Picture credit: AP
Singer Shakira performs on the pitch during the opening ceremony before the start of the World Cup Group A match. Picture credit: AP
Performers on the pitch during the opening ceremony before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. Picture credit: AP
Performers on the pitch during the opening ceremony before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. Picture credit: AP
Mexico City is hosting the first of the group games. Picture credit: AP
Mexico City is hosting the first of the group games. Picture credit: AP
Fans filled the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where they will watch Group A - Mexico v South Africa. Picture credit: Reuters
Fans filled the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where they will watch Group A - Mexico v South Africa. Picture credit: Reuters
Performers on the base of the World Cup statue. Picture credit: AP
Performers on the base of the World Cup statue. Picture credit: AP
Vibrant colours and an electric atmosphere in Mexico City, ahead of the first match. Picture credit: AP
Vibrant colours and an electric atmosphere in Mexico City, ahead of the first match. Picture credit: AP
J Balvin performs during the opening ceremony before the match. Picture credit: Reuters
J Balvin performs during the opening ceremony before the match. Picture credit: Reuters
Belinda and Los Angeles Azules perform during the opening ceremony before the match. Picture credit: Reuters
Belinda and Los Angeles Azules perform during the opening ceremony before the match. Picture credit: Reuters
General view of fans inside the stadium before the match. Picture credit: Reuters
General view of fans inside the stadium before the match. Picture credit: Reuters