The Mexican rock band Maná and singer Lila Downs headlined the opening musical performance of the 2026 World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a celebration that reached its climax with a performance of “Dai Dai” by Colombian singer Shakira, the official World Cup song.
“People of the world, welcome to Mexico,” said Lila Downs, who wore a white huipil and was surrounded by dancers whose performances and costumes paid tribute to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures.
With their iconic song “Oye mi amor,” the band from Guadalajara—one of the World Cup host cities in the country—set the mood ahead of the kickoff of the match between the national teams of Mexico and South Africa, which will mark the start of this unprecedented World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The first track on the official FIFA World Cup album was performed by Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean with “Partidazo,” which served as a prelude to “Por ella,” performed by Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules, another of the album’s most-played tracks.
The World Cup-themed setlist was followed by J Balvin performing “Qué calor” and “I Like It”—a song he shares with Bad Bunny—in a dance routine that set the stage for a Latin party, as he was dressed in the colors of the Mexican national team: red and green.
The Medellín native set the stage for his compatriot, Shakira—the queen of this World Cup—with the song “Dai Dai,” a collaboration with Nigerian artist Burna Boy. Their voices echoed the passion of the national and international fans who were cheering from the stands at Azteca Stadium on Thursday.
Surrounded by hundreds of dancers and dressed in a yellow and purple outfit, the singer—wearing dark sunglasses—kicked off the opening match at this stadium, which is set to become one of the most-watched in the world.
The World Cup, which will take place in the coming days, took center stage throughout the show, as did the phrase “We’re ready”—the most important message from ‘Dai Dai’ and a kickoff gesture for the most anticipated sporting event of the year.
In addition to the lineup of musical performances, Alejandro Fernández is expected to sing the Mexican national anthem, and singer Tyla is expected to sing the South African national anthem.
With this setup, the world is ready to welcome the 48 teams that will play in 104 matches, which for the first time will be held across three different host countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Forty years later, Mexico is ushering in a new era with this sporting event, having previously hosted the 1986 World Cup, according to Agencia EFE.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
