Shakira and Burna Boy warm up spectators in World Cup opening ceremony
The 2026 World Cup kicked off in Mexico City with a vibrant opening ceremony featuring performances by Shakira and Burna Boy. While the event was celebratory, authorities faced challenges managing large crowds and protests outside the stadium.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global cultural and economic event, and the opening ceremony highlights the logistical complexities of hosting a multi-nation tournament.
Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup in the Estadio Azteca on Thursday (June 11, 2026) ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
The article provides a straightforward report on the event, including both the festive atmosphere and the logistical issues encountered.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in