Fans Celebrate as Burna Boy and Shakira Ignite World Cup Opening Night

Fans Celebrate as Burna Boy and Shakira Ignite World Cup Opening Night

By Niyi Busari 

Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and Colombian superstar Shakira delivered a memorable performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, captivating thousands of fans at the iconic Estadio Azteca ahead of the tournament's opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The star-studded event officially launched the expanded 48-team competition, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. The tournament will feature a record 104 matches before culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

A colourful display of music, dance and pyrotechnics transformed the historic Estadio Azteca, where dancers performed around a giant replica of the World Cup trophy as fireworks illuminated the sky above the renovated 80,000-capacity venue. The stadium famously hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986 and became the focal point of celebrations once again.

The highlight of the ceremony came when Burna Boy and Shakira took to the stage to perform “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song, drawing a thunderous response from the crowd.

They were joined by a host of international performers, including Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, as anticipation built ahead of kickoff.

The festive mood inside the stadium was reflected by supporters eager to witness the start of football’s biggest event.

“It’s already a party in Mexico,” said Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old supporter attending the event.

“It’s amazing,” added 19-year-old fan Gustavo Ramírez.

However, celebrations were not without challenges elsewhere in the capital. Thousands of supporters gathered at the official World Cup fan zone in Mexico City's Zócalo Plaza, where overcrowding and access restrictions led to scenes of disorder shortly before kickoff.

Entry to the fan zone was complicated by metal barriers installed in recent days to prevent protesting teachers from reaching the area. As crowds surged toward the venue, officials struggled to maintain order.

“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here,” a city official urged through a megaphone while attempting to manage access to the site, where the match was being broadcast on a giant screen.

Some frustrated supporters responded by throwing water bottles, chanting in support of the Mexican national team and directing insults toward police officers.

“It’s crazy. There could have been better organisation,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan caught in the congestion.

Local authorities later announced via social media that the fan zone had reached full capacity and advised supporters to seek alternative viewing locations across the city.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who had been expected to attend the fan zone, cast doubt on her appearance following days of demonstrations in the area by teachers demanding higher wages.

Despite the logistical challenges outside the stadium, the opening ceremony provided a vibrant start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting the tone for a month-long celebration of football across North America.