Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and Salma Hayek kick-start the World Cup at opening ceremony
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- The World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City featured performances by Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli, and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek, preceding Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa.
- Shakira performed the official tournament song “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy and is set to perform at the World Cup final halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS.
- Mexican artists Lila Downs and Los Ángeles Azules, as well as Colombian stars J Balvin and Danny Ocean, delivered dynamic performances celebrating cultural diversity and Latin American music.
- Salma Hayek, appointed as an ambassador for the 2026 World Cup, gave a welcome speech emphasizing Mexico’s pride in hosting the tournament’s opening match.
- Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean singer EJAE performed the official anthem “DNA” with DJ David Guetta, highlighting a fusion of opera and K-pop at the event.