The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin with a spectacular opening ceremony on Thursday night, marking the start of football’s biggest tournament. Co-hosts Mexico will kick off the competition against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, but before the first ball is kicked, fans can expect a star-studded entertainment extravaganza featuring some of the world’s biggest music artists.
The tournament is historic in more ways than one, as it is the first FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is also the first edition to feature 48 teams, with a total of 104 matches scheduled across the three host nations.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony streaming
The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM IST, approximately 90 minutes before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. The event will take place at the legendary Estadio Azteca, one of football’s most iconic venues and a stadium steeped in World Cup history.
Fans in India can watch the ceremony live on UNITE8 Sports and DD Sports. The event will also be available for live streaming on Zee5, allowing viewers to catch all the action from their mobile devices, tablets and smart TVs.
Shakira headlines star-studded performer lineup
One of the biggest attractions of the ceremony will be international music sensation Shakira, who has a long association with FIFA World Cups. The Colombian superstar is expected to deliver a special performance, adding another memorable chapter to her World Cup legacy following the success of “Waka Waka” in 2010.
Joining Shakira on stage will be a diverse lineup of global and regional artists. The performers confirmed for the ceremony include Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, J Balvin and Tyla. Their performances are expected to celebrate the cultural diversity of the host nations while showcasing football’s global appeal.
More artists set to entertain fans
Apart from the headline acts, several other renowned artists are also expected to perform during the ceremony. These include legendary Mexican rock band Mana, acclaimed singer Lila Downs, Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean and popular cumbia group Los Angeles Azules.
The mix of international stars and Latin American performers is designed to create a vibrant celebration ahead of the month-long football spectacle.
Historic World Cup begins
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a new era for the competition. With 48 participating nations and matches spread across three countries, it will be the biggest World Cup ever staged. The opening ceremony will serve as the curtain-raiser to what promises to be one of the most memorable tournaments in football history.
As fans around the world prepare for the action to begin, all eyes will first be on the entertainment-packed ceremony before Mexico and South Africa officially launch the race for football’s most prestigious trophy.
