The Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, writes history again this Thursday (11). The iconic stage, which has already hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, will become the first stadium to host matches from three World Cups. The opening party marks the kickoff of the tournament, the first with 48 teams and organized by three countries.
FIFA prepared around 90 minutes of programming before the kickoff, scheduled for 9pm (Brasília time). The event starts at around 7:30 pm and celebrates Mexican culture with music, dance and popular art, using paper-picked motifs as a common thread. The objective is to highlight traditions, crafts and joy of the host country.
Musical attractions bring together Latin and international stars
The line-up brings together music heavyweights. Shakira and Burna Boy should lead the main show, performing “Dai Dai”, the official song of the tournament. J Balvin, in partnership with Ryan Castro, Maná, Tyla, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules complete the strong cast.
The presentation seeks to convey the spirit of the World Cup from the cultural perspective of the host country. FIFA describes the concept as a “shared creative motif” that represents the trophy through the lens of local traditions. In Mexico, this translates into visual and sound elements that mix modern folklore and local talent.
Gilberto Mora, the young prodigy who carries Mexican hope
Among the spotlight of the ceremony and the debut game, the name of Gilberto Mora appears. At 17 years old, the Tijuana midfielder is the youngest player at the World Cup and one of the home team’s great promises. He recently renewed his contract and received the number 10 shirt, dispelling rumors of an immediate transfer to European giants like Real Madrid.
Mora already has precocious achievements on his resume, such as being the youngest debutant on the adult Mexican national team and the youngest top scorer in Liga MX. His presence for Azteca against South Africa symbolizes the renewal of Mexican football, which seeks to go beyond the round of 16 at home.
Other opening ceremonies will follow in the coming days
The party doesn’t stop in Mexico. On the 12th, Toronto hosts the Canadian ceremony before Canada x Bosnia-Herzegovina. On June 13th, it’s Los Angeles’ turn in the United States, with the game between the USA and Paraguay. This unprecedented structure reflects the tournament’s shared format.
What changes in practice for fans
The live broadcast of the Mexico x South Africa game will be available on several platforms, including audio streaming on specialized websites. The expectation is for a full house at Azteca, with the historic weight of the stadium and the support of the local fans boosting Martino’s team.
The opening of the 2026 World Cup is not just a musical spectacle. It represents the beginning of a month of football that unites three nations and celebrates the continent’s cultural diversity. The Azteca, with its heritage from Pelé and Maradona, now welcomes a new generation ready to create their own legends.
