FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off: Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 as Shakira and Burna Boy open the show

Mexico City, June 11. The wait for football fans worldwide is over. Co-hosted by three nations — the USA, Canada and Mexico — the FIFA World Cup 2026 opened in grand style at the Estadio Azteca.

A dazzling opening ceremony

Pop stars Shakira and Burna Boy lit up the opening ceremony with a colourful performance that had the crowd on its feet. The stadium was packed and the atmosphere festive.

Mexico win the opener

In the first match, hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. Julian Quinones scored the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute, and Raul Jimenez doubled the lead in the second half.

Record red cards

The match was also fiery. Two South Africa players and one from Mexico were shown straight red cards — the most in any World Cup opening match in history. In the day's second game, South Korea beat Czechia 2-1.

What's next

This biggest-ever World Cup, with 104 matches, now serves up thrilling fixtures every day. The final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.