The formal opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 took place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City with a special event. Following the inauguration, the first match of the tournament kicked off at the same stadium between co-host Mexico and South Africa. The ceremony featured vibrant performances reflecting Mexican culture, along with musical acts by international artists including Shakira, Burna Boy, and J Balvin.
On June 12 (29 Jestha in the Nepali calendar), Kathmandu – The opening event of the FIFA World Cup 2026 was successfully concluded at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. The ceremony included a variety of musical performances and officially marked the beginning of the tournament. The first match took place immediately after, with co-hosts Mexico facing off against South Africa on the same pitch.
The inauguration program showcased Mexican culture, traditions, and arts through a range of presentations. Indigenous artists performed traditional dances and cultural programs, accompanied by performances from well-known international and Latin American music stars. Prominent artists featured during the ceremony included Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Thaila Ayala, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Maná, all contributing to an unforgettable musical experience at the event.
