Shakira steals the spotlight at the World Cup opening.

Music and singer Shakira dominated the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup in football today, Thursday, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, serving as a prelude to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

Eighty thousand spectators gathered in the stands to watch the musical event, which lasted about twenty minutes, concluding with Colombian singer Shakira performing the official World Cup song "Dare Dare" (La La La), featuring Nigerian Burna Boy, in a blend of Latin pop and afrobeats rhythms.

As it happened 16 years ago, Shakira was the star of this event. After the official anthem of the 2010 South Africa World Cup, "Waka Waka," which became a hit song, the Colombian appeared wearing sunglasses, a yellow suit, and a purple skirt, performing her song amidst dozens of dancers.

Before her, the stage was graced by the Mexican band "Maná," Venezuelan pop singer Danny Ocean, the band "Los Ángeles Azules," Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin, and Spanish-Mexican Belinda, following an opening act featuring dancers in indigenous costumes adorned with large feathers and women in traditional clothing, accompanied by drummers.

Before the match between Mexico and South Africa, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is set to perform the official World Cup anthem titled "DNA," a mix of opera and electronic music produced by French DJ David Guetta.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada until July 19, features a record participation of 48 teams, with 104 matches scheduled.

Mexico City will host the opening match, while the final of the 2026 World Cup will take place in New Jersey/New York in the United States.