Fans, mostly Mexican, are starting to circulate around the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, this Thursday (11), complete with costumes, colorful accessories and themed makeup. There are just a few hours left until the ball rolls in the match that marks the official start of the 2026 World Cup.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 pm (Brasília time), with shows by big names in Latin and African music. Then, at 4pm, Mexico and South Africa take to the field at the legendary stadium for the inaugural game.
Azteca is experiencing a unique moment in the history of football. The Mexican stage will become the first stadium to host opening games in three different editions of the World Cup: 1970, 1986 and now 2026. In the previous two, the stadium also hosted the finals, with historic victories for Pelé’s Brazil and Maradona’s Argentina.
Today’s clash repeats the opening duel of the 2010 World Cup, in South Africa. On that occasion, the teams drew 1-1, with goals from Siphiwe Tshabalala and Rafael Márquez. The two teams are part of Group A, along with South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Shows and celebratory atmosphere
Shakira will be one of the main attractions of the ceremony, performing live “Dai Dai”, the official song of the tournament, alongside Nigerian Burna Boy. Other confirmed artists include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.
Despite the party, Mexico City also registered tension. In recent weeks, protests by teachers and other professional sectors took to the streets near the stadium, with access avenues blocked. Authorities reinforced security with thousands of police officers to ensure the event ran smoothly.
What changes with the biggest World Cup in history
This edition of the World Cup is the largest ever, with 48 teams and 104 games played in 11 venues in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The kickoff at Azteca sets the tone for a tournament that promises to unite the continent and mark the history of the sport.
The stadium, with a capacity for around 83 thousand fans, is undergoing final preparations. The expectation is for a full house to support the Mexican team on its debut.
