Mexico City 2026: How Shakira, 800 Protesters, and a 2-0 Win Opened the World Cup

Mexico City, MMN Correspondent: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico City, and if you weren’t watching, you missed something that felt less like a ceremony and more like a national heartbeat. Estadio Azteca, a stadium that has seen Pelé, Maradona, and Messi, now has a new memory: a night where Shakira’s hips didn’t lie, where 800 protesters clashed with police outside, and where Mexico’s team walked off the pitch with a 2-0 win over South Africa. This wasn’t just a game. It was a statement.

As the sun set over the sprawling capital, the stadium filled with fans draped in green, white, and red. The opening message, “Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico,” echoed through the stands. Indigenous inspired costumes, golden footballs towering above dancers, and a stage that celebrated Mexico’s deep heritage set the tone. The performance wasn’t just about football. It was about unity, legacy, and the kind of pride that makes you stand a little taller.

Shakira took the stage and delivered a set that blended her classic hits with newer tracks. Within minutes, clips of her performance were everywhere online. She has long been a cultural ambassador for Latin America, and here she reminded everyone why. Her presence turned the opening into a global moment, a celebration of Latin identity that reached far beyond the stadium walls.

Then came the anthem. Opera legend Andrea Bocelli and K pop star Ejae performed “DNA,” the official tournament song. Their duet mixed classical elegance with modern rhythm, a fitting symbol for a World Cup that spans three nations. South African singer Tyla also performed, bringing her hit “Water” and the FIFA endorsed track “Game Time” to the stage. She will perform again at the U.S. opening match in Los Angeles, but her moment in Mexico City was already electric.

On the pitch, Mexico’s men’s national team delivered. Two goals, a clean sheet, and a crowd that never stopped chanting “¡Vamos, México!” Fans like Javier Pérez, who brought his entire family, described the atmosphere as overwhelming. “We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it’s a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful,” he said. “I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we’ll see how far we can go!”

But outside the stadium, the mood was different. Around 800 protesters gathered near the Azteca, many wearing hoods and carrying banners. Nearly 200 broke away and clashed with security forces. Police intervened, and nearby metro stations closed temporarily. Authorities said the situation was contained quickly, but the protests were not random. They were driven by deep rooted social issues, including demands for justice in the ongoing crisis surrounding thousands of missing persons linked to Mexico’s drug war. Teachers’ unions and families of the disappeared marched peacefully in other parts of the city, using the global spotlight to amplify their calls for accountability and reform. The World Cup brings joy, but it also exposes the fractures a nation carries.

The 2026 tournament is expected to draw over 3 million spectators across 16 host cities. Matches are scheduled in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and other major urban centers. The economic impact is projected to exceed $25 billion, boosting tourism, infrastructure, and local businesses. The Azteca Stadium, originally built in 1966 and renovated extensively for this event, now features state of the art lighting, sound systems, and enhanced fan amenities. It stands as one of the most advanced stadiums in the world.

FIFA also curated an Official World Cup 2026 Album, featuring 18 tracks from artists across six continents. The compilation includes contributions from Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Tyla, and others. The soundtrack is already trending on streaming platforms, with “DNA” reaching the top 10 in over 40 countries.

As the tournament unfolds, attention will shift to the next opening ceremonies in the United States and Canada, where Katy Perry, Future, Lisa, Anitta, and other international stars are set to perform. Yet, the emotional resonance of Mexico’s kickoff remains unmatched. It was a blend of joy, history, and resilience under one of the world’s most watched stages.

With its dazzling opening, passionate fanbase, and complex social backdrop, the 2026 World Cup has officially begun. Not just as a sporting event, but as a global cultural phenomenon. As the world watches, Mexico stands ready to deliver more than just football. It’s offering a story of hope, heritage, and the enduring spirit of a nation united by passion.