FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony LIVE Updates: Shakira, Burna Boy To Kick-Start Quadrennial Showpiece

“Fútbol is a thing that unites so many cultures and people of different walks of life,” she told the AP. “The big responsibility of making a World Cup song is that you’ve got to make a song that represents people’s feelings, emotions, and passion.”

“So you’ve got to write that song, in a way, understanding that it has to be global. It has to encompass so many cultures and represent so many in one tune,” Shakira continued. “That, in a way, has helped me craft those songs in the past.”

Mexico Ceremony: 11:30 PM IST onwards on June 11

Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez will sing the national anthem, joined by artists including Mana, Los Angeles Azules, Lila Downs and Belinda. J Balvin and Danny Ocean will also make an apperance, while Shakira headlines the ceremony alongside Nigeria’s Burna Boy with the debut performance of “Dai Dai”, the tournament’s official song.

Hola! Welcome to the live coverage of the opening ceremony from the Mexico City Stadium as we await start of the quadrennial showpiece featuring 48 teams spread across three countries. Tonight's attention is on Mexico. So hold on as we bring you all the updates and key moments from the opening ceremony.