THE BIGGEST WORLD CUP IN HISTORY HAS BEGUN! Shakira premieres the tournament anthem, 48 national teams across three countries begin the battle for the world throne! (VIDEO)

With a ceremony at the “Azteca” Stadium in Mexico City, the FIFA World Cup was officially opened this evening and will run until July 19.

The World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada is the 23rd edition in history. For the first time, the tournament is being held across three countries and 16 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A record 48 national teams are participating in the World Cup for the first time in history, and a total of 104 matches will be played.

“Welcome to Mexico. Mexico welcomes you with smiles and hearts, we are a nation of diversity, heritage, pride… Football carries the same heartbeat. It unites generations. The trophy is not defined by one player or one nation, but by everyone,” the official stadium announcer in Mexico City said.

"Lila Downs":
Por su participación en la inauguración del Mundial 2026 pic.twitter.com/B2MZkKJAV2

— ¿Por qué es Tendencia? (@porktendencia) June 11, 2026

Global music star Shakira performed the song “Dai Dai” this evening at the “Azteca” Stadium, which is the official anthem of the 2026 World Cup.

The Colombian singer performed with attractive choreography and lighting effects in front of tens of thousands of fans in the stadium and millions of viewers around the world.

“Dai Dai” is the official anthem of the 2026 World Cup in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise 100 million U.S. dollars by the end of the tournament in order to provide children around the world with access to quality education and football opportunities.

Ready to celebrate the beautiful game. 🏆🎤🌎 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/prgNfOoTek

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 11, 2026

The program also featured Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.

The World Cup opening ceremony concluded with a fireworks display in the colors of the flags of this year’s tournament hosts.

The World Cup also has three mascots – the United States is represented by Clutch the eagle, Canada by Maple the moose, and Mexico by Zayu the jaguar.

Shakira cantando en la inauguración del Mundial 2026#MundialRTVE #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/N5TNcIY27Y

— sugar 🍃 (@sugarcriminal) June 11, 2026

The official World Cup ball, “Trionda”, combines, according to the tournament organizers, the symbolism of the three host nations and advanced technology that assists refereeing decisions in real time, marking a new step in the digitalization of football.

The opening World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa at the “Azteca” Stadium is scheduled for this evening at 9 p.m. Central European Time as part of the first round of Group A.

MORE TOPICS:

TWO GREAT TRAGEDIES ON THE VELIKA MORAVA: First a girl (13) drowned, and then two boys aged 15!

PATRIARCH PORFIRIJE UNDER FIRE: At the send-off of the belt of the Most Holy Mother of God, he called a part of the believers “morons”! (VIDEO)

FATHER AND SON SHINED IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: Automobilists Milovan and Đorđe Vesnić set track records and climbed the winning podium!

SERBIAN BRUTALLY KILLED IN BARCELONA: Attacker fired multiple shots into his back, neighbors tried to save him! (DISTURBING VIDEO)

BASED ON 99.4 PERCENT OF PROCESSED VOTES: Srpska lista won an absolute majority in all Serbian areas!

THE PETER’S FAST BEGINS TODAY: Here is how long it lasts and what should be observed!

Source: Euronews, Foto: Printscreen X