The waiting is finally over. The continent of North America officially kicked off the most ambitious, expanded FIFA World Cup in soccer history. While three nations are sharing hosting duties, the global party officially launched its heart and soul from the center of Mexico City.
Produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the stadium-shaking opening ceremony beautifully re-engineered the stadium into a living, breathing carnival of folklore, indigenous artistry, and ultra-modern pop choreography.
If you missed the dazzling pre-match broadcast, we have you covered. Here is the definitive breakdown of the specific setlist and stellar tracks that just set the world on fire at the Azteca.
1. MANÁ — “Oye mi amor” (1992)
There is no better way to command a stadium of over 80,000 screaming fans than by tapping into the literal bedrock of Mexican rock history. The legendary MANÁ kicked off the musical ceremonies by blasting into their immortal 1992 anthem, “Oye mi amor.” Fusing Fher Olvera’s iconic, soaring vocals with that instantly recognizable synthesized pan-flute hook, the performance was a massive, cross-generational singalong that immediately set a high-octane, emotional baseline for the stadium.
2. Danny Ocean
Riding the wave of rock nostalgia, Venezuelan urban-pop hitmaker Danny Ocean smoothly took over the center stage layout. Bringing his signature, laid-back Caribbean swagger and slick contemporary rhythms, Ocean provided the perfect bridge from old-school stadium anthems to the modern global streaming era. His smooth vocal delivery kept the energy infectious and flowing as hundreds of dancers filled the pitch.
3. Belinda y Los Ángeles Azules — “Por ella”
If you wanted a moment that perfectly encapsulated the vibrant, pulsing core of Mexican musical identity, this was it. Pop princess Belinda joined forces with the legendary kings of Iztapalapa, Los Ángeles Azules, for a dazzling live rendition of “Por ella.” Blending traditional accordion-heavy cumbia instrumentation with sleek, modern electronic pop beats, the collaboration transformed the grass field into the world’s largest dance floor.
4. J Balvin
Colombia’s global ambassador, J Balvin, turned the football cathedral into an absolute global club, executing a rapid-fire, multi-song takeover that proved exactly why he remains a premier festival headliner.
- “Qué Calor” (with Ryan Castro): Balvin brought out fellow paisa innovator Ryan Castro for a blistering, bass-heavy performance of “Qué Calor.” Complete with massive pyrotechnics and traditional dance arrangements remixed with hard-hitting dembow, the performance was pure adrenaline.
- “I Like It” (“Like It”): Keeping the momentum at a fever pitch, Balvin transitioned directly into his massive, brass-heavy global crossover anthem. The stadium practically shook as the horn samples echoed through the rafters, providing the perfect soundtrack for the colorful flag ceremony.
5. Shakira + Burna Boy — “Dai Dai”
The absolute crown jewel of the afternoon arrived when the Queen of the World Cup herself took the stage. Shakira, making her historic return to the tournament’s opening ceremonies, united with Nigerian Afrobeats titan Burna Boy for the exclusive global live debut of “Dai Dai.” Serving as the official anthem of the FIFA World Cup 2026™—in active support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund—the track is a staggering fusion of Afro-Colombian percussion and modern African rhythms. Watching the duo command the center circle with a massive troupe of global dancers was a chill-inducing moment of pure, cross-continental unity, officially crowning the ceremony before the players ever walked out of the tunnel.
