The Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, will host this Thursday (11) the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest in history, with 48 teams and 104 games. Mexico faces South Africa at 1 pm (local time), or 4 pm in Brasília, opening a tournament organized jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The historic stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals, becomes the first to host three World Cup opening ceremonies. Pelé and Maradona shone there in past editions. Now, the focus is on the party that mixes music and football before the kickoff.
Ceremony with international stars
Colombian singer Shakira, who has performed in previous World Cups, performs the official song “Dai Dai” alongside Nigerian Burna Boy. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also performs, singing the official anthem “DNA”, which mixes opera and electronics. Other artists such as Alejandro Fernández and Los Ángeles Azules complete the show.
President Claudia Sheinbaum did not attend the ceremony. She stated that the event will take place “peacefully”, despite the pressure. The representative guaranteed security guarantees for the tournament, which has 13 games in Mexico.
Protests and social tensions
Social groups, including teachers’ unions, plan demonstrations during the opening. Blockades and pickets have already been causing chaos in the capital since last week. The protests involve wage demands, unfinished works and other social demands. Relatives of the disappeared and activists are also mobilizing.
High ticket prices and visa restrictions for the United States add to the controversy. The war in the Middle East prompted Iran to move its training base to Tijuana.
Warm climate among Mexicans
Despite the excitement of some of the fans, the atmosphere is not the same as the 1986 carnival. A recent survey indicates that only 35% of Mexicans trust the team, which has never reached the quarter-finals in a World Cup. Fans report a feeling of “warm weather” in the streets.
Mexico is the country with the biggest fans among the co-hosts. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the Azteca the “cathedral of football”.
What’s at stake on the field
Lionel Messi’s Argentina seeks to defend the 2022 title. Favorites such as Spain (with Lamine Yamal), Portugal (Cristiano Ronaldo) and France (Kylian Mbappé) appear as the main threats.
The opening game puts the Mexican team under pressure at home. South Africa arrives motivated to surprise.