FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony I Mexico City

FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Mexico City. Three Countries. Three Ceremonies. 48 hours.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ began in Mexico City with the first of three Opening Ceremonies created across three host nations, marking an unprecedented moment in the tournament’s history.

The opening chapter took place at the iconic Estadio Azteca, celebrating Mexico’s rich cultural heritage through music, performance and visual storytelling. The Ceremony brought together internationally acclaimed artists and performers, creating a powerful tribute to the country’s traditions while setting the tone for a tournament designed to unite fans around the world.

As part of the broader FIFA World Cup 2026™ Opening Ceremonies project, the Mexico City event launched a global celebration that continued in Toronto and Los Angeles, forming a unique three-part narrative across the tournament’s host nations.

Reaching an estimated global audience of 1.2 billion viewers, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Opening Ceremonies reflected the unprecedented scale of the tournament, turning its opening moments into a worldwide celebration shared across continents, cultures and generations.

Featuring performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, Davido, J Balvin, Belinda, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, Tyla, Andrea Bocelli, EJAE and David Guetta, the Ceremony celebrated the diversity, energy and global spirit of football’s biggest stage.

Created and produced by Balich Wonder Studio.

Credits

FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremonies Team
Creative Lead: Marco Balich
Creative Director, Costume & Production Designer: Carlos Navarrete-Patiño
Project Leader: Claudia Cattai
Project Director: Annalisa Barbieri
Executive Producer: Julian Hill
Head of Production: John McCullagh

Mexico City Ceremony Team
Creative Director, Costume & Production Designer: Carlos Navarrete-Patiño
Artistic Director: Alejandra Gonzales
Head of Choreography: Citlalli Caballero
Trophy Designer: Eugenio Caballero
Music Composition: Polyphonia
Video Content Producer: Ahmed Abdel Al, NorthHouse