World Cup 2026 opening ceremony LIVE: Shakira lights up show with Mexico v South Africa moments away – UK Times

This is Raul Jimenez’s fourth World Cup but all previous appearances came off the bench.

He now has the weight of his country on his shoulders with El Tri hoping their main goalscorer can produce the goods on the biggest stage of all.

The first of three opening ceremonies for this World Cup has come and gone.

Shakira and Burna Boy were the highlight for sure.

Quite aptly Shakira’s previous performance at a World Cup came in 2010 which began with the same fixture as this tournament.

Mexico vs South Africa is coming up…

That’s the ceremony out of the way. It was colourful, co-ordinated and sounded alright. The fans received it well from what we can see and its conclusion means we can now start focusing on the football with an hour to go until kick-off!

Mexico will line up in what looks like a 4-3-3 but there is no place for teenage star Mora from the off. South Africa, meanwhile, have named five defenders – making it clear how they intend to approach the match.

Aong with Burna Boy they’re performing what will probably become the anthem of this World Cup.

J Balvin is on now, performing a version of I Like It, with Shakira up next to what sounds like huge cheers from the stands.

As these ceremonies go it’s been solid so far.

Mana, a Mexican pop rock band formed in 1981, began proceedings with the first musical performance of the night.

They are followed by Danny Ocean, a Venezuelan singer, songwriter who began his career in 2009 on YouTube.

Mexico: Rangel; Montes, Vasquez, Reyes, Gallardo; Lira, Fidalgo, Gutierrez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones.

South Africa: Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Mudau, Okon; Mokoena, Stihole, Adams; Foster, Rayners.

“Mexico receives you with smiles from our heart, we’re a nation of diversity,” says the voiceover as some of those on the pitch bang small drums and walk around in peculiar formation.

“The World Cup is a beacon of shared passion,” apparently. “Football unites us all,” seemingly. Well, unless one of the other co-hosts decides to take a dislike to you.

The Azteca is packed and, despite the weather warnings, the sun is shining above. The pitch is currently covered in a blue carpet with dozens of performers in fancy dress and a gold stage in the centre.

The ceremony is yet to start – it was trailed as beginning at 18:30 BST! – but we are told it shall begin imminently. Inside the dressing rooms both squads will be hoping it hurries up so they can get out there and warm up.