Opening ceremony dazzles as Mexico and Korea Republic start FIFA World Cup with wins

Staff Reporter

THE FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway in spectacular fashion in Mexico City on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match after a vibrant opening ceremony celebrating Mexican culture, while Korea Republic came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 in the day’s second Group A encounter.

The tournament officially began with a colourful Opening Ceremony at Mexico City Stadium, featuring music, dance, fireworks and performances by several international artists. The event celebrated Mexican culture through the traditional art of papel picado and marked the first of three opening ceremonies planned across the tournament’s host nations — Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Global music stars including Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla featured in the celebrations, while popular LABUBU characters from entertainment brand POP MART also made a surprise appearance.

The ceremony concluded with a parade of participating nations’ flags and a fireworks display before attention shifted to the tournament’s opening match.