Shakira and Burna Boy Ignite Mexico City as World Cup 2026 Opens at Estadio Azteca

The Colombian superstar and the Nigerian Afrobeat icon performed the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” as co-hosts Mexico later defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match

Shakira and Burna Boy brought the Estadio Azteca to its feet during the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony on Thursday, delivering a high-energy performance of the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

The ceremony featured dancers twirling around a giant model of the World Cup trophy as fireworks lit up the historic 80,000-capacity stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and has been renovated for this year’s expanded 48-team tournament. The United States and Canada are also hosting matches, with 104 games scheduled across the three nations before the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Shakira, the Colombian superstar with a long history of World Cup performances, and Burna Boy, the Nigerian Afrobeat icon who has become one of Africa’s most streamed artists, performed the tournament’s official anthem, drawing roars from the crowd. The performance marked a rare collaboration between Latin and African music superstars on football’s biggest stage.

While the atmosphere inside the stadium was festive, chaotic scenes unfolded in the centre of Mexico City. Thousands of fans pushed and shoved as they attempted to enter the official World Cup fan zone in Zocala plaza shortly before kickoff. Access was hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers from reaching the area.

A report by Accra Street Journal noted that a city official shouted through a megaphone, “Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” as he tried to control access to the venue where the opening game was being shown on a giant screen. Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police while chanting in support of the Mexican team. Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan, said, “It’s crazy. There could have been better organization.”

The local government announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas. President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone but cast doubt on her presence following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.

On the pitch, Mexico later defeated South Africa 2-0, with Julian Quinones scoring the tournament’s first goal and Yaya Sithole receiving a red card for Bafana Bafana. For the thousands who successfully entered the fan zone, the night ended in celebration. For those locked out, frustration overshadowed what should have been a carnival atmosphere.

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on June 11, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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