Thousands of sombreros flew into the air as the opening whistle blew at Mexico City's Azteca stadium on Thursday, a moment that captured the joy and anticipation of a nation hosting the World Cup's biggest stage for the first time in 40 years. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, kicked off with a ceremony that transformed the legendary venue into a celebration of music, colour, and cultural pride—featuring global superstars Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Danny Ocean, and Fher Olvera.
For Mexico, hosting the World Cup represents far more than a sporting milestone. The country has weathered a complicated build-up marked by airport and stadium renovations, protests surrounding the event, and the shadow of cartel violence that gripped parts of Mexico only months earlier. Yet as the ceremony unfolded, those tensions seemed to recede into the background, replaced by the unifying force of football and celebration.
The ceremonial performances captured the spirit of the moment. Performers wore indigenous clothing and gleaming gold outfits, holding giant golden footballs aloft as the packed stadium erupted. Mexican singer Fernández, son of veteran crooner Vicente Fernández, delivered a rousing national anthem performance ahead of Mexico's opening match against South Africa. Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla followed with her own national anthem, bringing the two competing nations together in shared spectacle. The stadium itself—a venue steeped in football history—became a canvas for the tournament's global reach.
For attendees like Javier Pérez, who brought his family to the opening, the moment transcended logistics and controversy. "We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it's a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful," he told the BBC. "I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we'll see how far we can go!" His words reflected what thousands in the stadium felt: this was a chance to make history on home soil.
The ceremony also showcased the tournament's truly global character. Beyond Shakira's star power and Colombian J Balvin's performance, Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy brought West African flair to the stage. Tyla, whose hits include "Water" and the FIFA World Cup song "Game Time," performed her nation's anthem and will return to World Cup stages on Friday in Los Angeles for the US opening ceremony, alongside Katy Perry, Future, Lisa, and Anitta—underlining how this tournament weaves together continents and cultures.
The fans matched the performers' energy. Dressed in Mexico's vibrant team colours and their own festive outfits, they transformed the Azteca into a sea of national pride. When the match finally began, those thousands of sombreros soaring skyward became an unforgettable image—a moment where Mexico's footballing dreams quite literally took flight.
For a nation that has endured recent hardship and uncertainty, the opening ceremony offered something precious: a stage to celebrate its culture, its people, and its place in the world's greatest sporting spectacle. The 2026 World Cup has begun, and Mexico is ready to show the world what home soil can do.