World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, dancing, and protests
There was a star-studded opening ceremony, and some sporadic clashes between police and protesters around the Azteca stadium.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Key People
No people linked to this story
Locations
All Coverage
There was a star-studded opening ceremony, and some sporadic clashes between police and protesters around the Azteca stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced in Mexico City with a vibrant opening ceremony featuring performances by global music icons and a celebration of cultural diversity.
Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek lit up the World Cup opening ceremony ahead of Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa.
The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup got underway with the first of three opening ceremonies in Mexico, featuring a tribute to the co-host nation's Indigenous cultures and pop performances.
El 11 de junio de 2026, la capital de México vivió una jornada histórica con el inicio del Mundial de Fútbol, donde el país fungió como anfitrión por tercera vez.
The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup began with a tribute to Mexico's Indigenous cultures and pop performances, culminating in Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa.
Shakira and Burna Boy energized spectators at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Mexico opens World Cup with passion, parties and protests - Reuters
Mexico opens World Cup with passion, parties and protests Reuters
June 11, 2026 at 10:06 PMThree red cards shown as Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup opener
Three players are sent off as World Cup co-hosts Mexico defeat South Africa in a dramatic opening match at a packed Azteca Stadium.
June 11, 2026 at 10:01 PMA sneak peek inside Mexico’s iconic Azteca Stadium before World Cup kickoff
The BBC's Will Grant got access inside the renovated venue ahead of the first game of the tournament.
June 11, 2026 at 08:08 AMMexico get World Cup party started with win as South Africa see red - Reuters
Mexico get World Cup party started with win as South Africa see red Reuters
June 11, 2026 at 11:10 PMMexico City suspends classes, shifts to remote work for World Cup kickoff - Reuters
Mexico City suspends classes, shifts to remote work for World Cup kickoff Reuters
June 9, 2026 at 05:04 PMQuinones and Jimenez fire Mexico to opening World Cup win over nine-man South Africa - Reuters
Quinones and Jimenez fire Mexico to opening World Cup win over nine-man South Africa Reuters
June 11, 2026 at 09:21 PM