Yesterday saw the 2026 FIFA World Cup kick off in full force when performances by various artists lit up the stage at legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City , sending waves of excitement through the packed arena. Yet beyond those gates, unrest took hold fast – crowds surged against officers, sparking chaos that sealed off nearby streets.
Stars Light Up Opening Night
Inside the stadium, energy was electric. Shakira’s iconic hits had fans singing in unison, while Burna Boy’s infectious Afrobeat rhythms set the crowd dancing. Choreography, lights, and pyrotechnics combined to create a show befitting the world’s biggest sporting event.
Ahead of the match, fans in the stadium were treated to performances from other artists such as, Colombia’s J Balvin, and Latin music star Danny Ocean. Mexican singer-songwriter Fher Olvera of the pop punk band Maná took the stage to sing the classic Oye Mi Amor.
Opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop singer Ejae performed the tournament’s official anthem, “DNA,” which was officially released on Wednesday. Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández, son of legendary crooner Vicente Fernández, led the Mexican national anthem, singing in unison with thousands in the arena.
Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla performed her country’s national anthem. Known for hits including “Water” and the FIFA track “Game Time,” Tyla is set to return to the World Cup stage on Friday for the US opening ceremony in Los Angeles, where she will perform alongside Katy Perry, Future, Lisa, and Anitta.
FIFA has brought together a diverse lineup of global artists for the ceremonies, many of whom are featured on the 18-song Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.
Despite a strong security presence around the 82,000-seat stadium, clashes between police and protesters temporarily forced the closure of nearby metro stations.
Mexican authorities reported that nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two larger groups of about 800 protesters and confronted law enforcement. Officials confirmed that the situation was quickly brought under control.
At the same time, teachers and families of people missing due to Mexico’s ongoing drug war held protests across the city, using the global attention of the World Cup to raise awareness for their causes.
A Social Media Frenzy
Out on the feeds, things looked split. The contrast was stark. Videos of Shakira and Burna Boy’s high-energy performance went viral, while clips of the protests circulated widely, drawing attention to the tension outside. Hashtags like #WorldCup2026 and #ShakiraBurnaBoy trended globally within hours.
The Tournament Moves Forward
After the kickoff chaos faded, football fans now turned their attention to the first round of matches, including the much-anticipated South Korea vs Czech Republic and Mexico vs South Africa games which ended with a win from both Mexico and South Korea. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, while South Korea secured a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
Authorities assured fans that safety measures remain a top priority as the tournament unfolds across multiple host cities.
Yesterday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off – bright lights, loud crowds, lots of colours ,and rhythms filling the air. Still, what unfolded showed how big moments like these don’t just bring people together – they sometimes sharpen divides too.
