Party, Reggaeton and Nostalgia! Mexico’s 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony Causes a Stir: Was It Not the Real Shakira?

The World Cup Party Has Begun! World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony
Stars Lit Up the Azteca
Memes Flooded Social Media
World Cup 2026 opening ceremony. The long-awaited day for millions of fans around the planet finally arrived. The majestic and historic Estadio Azteca, now Estadio Ciudad de México, dressed up for the spectacular opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup. With a completely packed venue, music, culture and color took over the field, but as has become a beautiful Mexican tradition, memes, wild theories and social media debate appeared immediately.

The event began in grand style with the powerful voice of Lila Downs officially welcoming the crowd with the cry of “Welcome to Mexico!”, accompanied by impressive traditional dancers. The energy stayed high thanks to Maná’s participation and a collaboration that most of the audience loved: Belinda with Los Ángeles Azules, getting thousands of attendees dancing.

Colombian singer J Balvin performs this Thursday at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Estadio Ciudad de México in Mexico. EFE/Sashenka Gutierrez

Another major moment of the afternoon came from J Balvin, who drew attention and comments from many users who said his outfit was a double tribute: on one hand, a nod to the classic pachuco style and, on the other, a fun wink to the colors of none other than La Chilindrina.

From Shakira’s “Clone” to the Controversial Reggaeton Dancing in Traditional Costumes: World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony

“The real queen or a clone? Shakira’s appearance at Estadio Azteca to perform the anthem ‘Dai, Dai’ unleashed a wave of conspiracy theories and memes on social media, where thousands of users questioned whether the Barranquilla star present was really her or a professional double.” Image taken from X – World Cup 2026 opening ceremony

Despite the applause and the high production level, controversy and the sharp humor of social media became the true protagonists of the day through several trends that went viral within minutes:

The Real Shakira?
The queen of World Cups appeared on the main stage to perform “Dai, Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 Cup. However, her appearance and some camera angles from the broadcast raised suspicions among the most conspiracy-minded internet users, who flooded platforms with theories and claims that it was a double or a “clone” of the Barranquilla singer. Logically, it was the real Shakira, but rumors always emerge online.

The Cultural Clash Over Reggaeton Dancing

One of the moments that most divided opinions and sparked criticism was the performance by star Danny Ocean. Many viewers did not like seeing dancers wearing traditional regional costumes end up intensely dancing reggaeton to an afrobeat rhythm in the background, which generated an intense debate over respect for traditions and the modern style of FIFA shows.

“Tradition vs. Modernity: One of the most talked-about moments of the opening ceremony was Sunny Ocean’s performance, where dancers wearing Mexican regional costumes ended up dancing reggaeton alongside the Nigerian artist, dividing public opinion between criticism and celebration.” Image taken from X.

In the end, between conspiracy theories, colorful costumes and an unbeatable atmosphere, Mexico once again showed why it is the host par excellence of soccer. The table is set, the music has played and the ball is now rolling in the biggest tournament in history.

Artists perform this Thursday at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Estadio Ciudad de México in Mexico. EFE/Sashenka Gutierrez

Shakira Crowns the 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony at the Azteca Alongside Maná and Lila Downs

Photo taken from alexoficial’s Instagram

Mexican rock band Maná and singer Lila Downs led the start of the opening concert for the 2026 World Cup at Mexico’s Estadio Azteca, a celebration that reached its peak with Shakira’s performance of “Dai Dai,” the official song of the World Cup.

“Peoples of the world, welcome to Mexico,” said Lila Downs, who wore a white huipil surrounded by dancers who, through dance and clothing, paid tribute to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures.

Photo taken from alexoficial’s Instagram

With their emblematic song “Oye mi amor,” the group from Guadalajara, one of the World Cup host cities in the country, set the mood before the start of the match between Mexico and South Africa, which marks the beginning of this unprecedented World Cup organized jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The first track from the official FIFA World Cup album was performed by Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean with “Partidazo,” which served as the prelude to “Por ella,” performed by Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules, another of the most listened-to songs from the album.

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony – Photo taken from alexoficial’s Instagram

The World Cup repertoire continued with J Balvin performing “Qué calor” and “I Like It,” in a dance that invited a Latin celebration while he wore the colors of the Mexican national team: red and green.

The Medellín-born artist opened the stage for his fellow Colombian, Shakira, the queen of this World Cup with the song “Dai Dai,” which she shares with Nigerian artist Burna Boy. Together, their voices accompanied the passion of national and international fans vibrating in the stands of the Azteca this Thursday.

Among hundreds of dancers and dressed in a yellow and purple outfit, the singer, wearing dark glasses, opened this field that will be one of the most watched in the world with the start of the inaugural match.

At the center, the World Cup trophy shone throughout the entire show, as did the phrase “We are ready,” the most important message of “Dai Dai” and a gesture marking the start of the most anticipated sporting event of the year.

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony – Photo taken from alexoficial’s Instagram

Among the musical appearances, Alejandro Fernández is expected to perform Mexico’s national anthem and singer Tyla South Africa’s anthem.

With this staging, the world is ready to welcome the 48 national teams that will play 104 matches, which for the first time will be held across three different host countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Mexico opens a new chapter with this sporting event 40 years later, after having hosted the 1986 World Cup.