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MEXICO – BALICH WONDER STUDIO CONQUERS THE AZTECA STADIUM WITH A MONUMENTAL SHOW BLENDING MEXICAN TRADITION, TECHNOLOGY, AND INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTARS: THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 KICKS OFF
At the heart of the opening ceremony, dances inspired by Aztec culture, performances by artists such as Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, and Andrea Bocelli, and a finale filled with fireworks and confetti transformed the tournament’s kickoff into a massive global live entertainment event.
On Thursday, June 11, the Azteca Stadium was transformed into a gigantic open-air theater to kick off the 2026 World Cup. In front of more than 87,000 spectators, the historic Mexican arena hosted a spectacular opening ceremony. Created by Balich Wonder Studio, the show masterfully blended tradition, innovation, and international music stars into an emotional narrative that celebrated the host country’s identity and the universality of football.
From the early hours of the morning, the streets of the Mexican capital were flooded with fans from all corners of the world. Flags, chants, and an infectious enthusiasm accompanied the countdown to the event, culminating in the opening of the stadium gates. When the show officially began at 11:30 local time (19:30 Italian time), the Azteca exploded into a deafening roar, with spectators becoming active participants in the spectacle thanks to visual and scenographic effects distributed throughout the stands.
The first part of the ceremony paid tribute to Mexico’s cultural roots. The pitch was transformed by spectacular digital projections that narrated the country’s history and traditions. In Mexico, this concept came to life through the refined and festive art of papel picado, a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy. Hundreds of dancers brought captivating choreography inspired by Aztec culture to life, parading in traditional costumes and striking feathered headdresses.
Following this, popular Mexican music took center stage. The unmistakable rhythms of Los Ángeles Azules and the powerful vocals of Alejandro Fernández won over the audience, offering an authentic portrait of a modern Mexico that continues to proudly cherish its roots.
It was a short step from tradition to modernity. The second part of the show lit up the Azteca with a fast-paced sequence of international performances. The most anticipated moment arrived with the entrance of Shakira, who, alongside Nigerian star Burna Boy, performed “Dai Dai” live—the official anthem of the 2026 World Cup. It was an overwhelming performance that turned the stadium into one massive party.
The musical festival continued with performances by J Balvin, Maná, Belinda, and Danny Ocean, accompanied by light shows, special effects, and massive choreography that kept the energy in the stands incredibly high. Delivering one of the most emotional moments of the evening was Andrea Bocelli. The Italian tenor brought a touch of elegance and solemnity to the stage, drawing long applause and creating an atmosphere suspended between spectacle and celebration.
Immediately after, singer Tyla performed South Africa’s national anthem. Finally, artist Alejandro Fernández sang the Mexican national anthem, sparking the final roar of the crowd. Labubu, the beloved characters from the global entertainment brand POP MART, also made a surprise appearance at the opening ceremony as special guests.
The grand finale lived up to its promises. A cascade of colorful confetti and a breathtaking fireworks display illuminated the sky over Mexico City, closing a ceremony that successfully showcased the multifaceted face of the host country and the global character of the event.
The three-stage inaugural formula will continue on Friday, June 12, to celebrate the other two co-hosting nations, once again under the creative signature of Marco Balich.
The second ceremony will take place at BMO Field in Toronto before the kickoff of the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match. The show will offer a symbolic journey through Canadian nature from coast to coast. The official lineup will feature national and international superstars of the caliber of Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, and Jessie Reyez.
The third and final opening ceremony will stage in Los Angeles at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood before the match between the United States and Paraguay. The show has been designed to reflect the country’s immense cultural diversity. FIFA has formalized a high-profile lineup that includes Katy Perry, Anitta, LISA, Future, Rema, and Tyla herself, who already performed the South African anthem on the opening night in Mexico.