Shakira and Burna Boy perform before World Cup opening match

By Carla Feric, Press Association Entertainment Reporter

Shakira and Burna Boy were among the stars who performed at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the 2026 Fifa World Cup opening ceremony.

The Colombian singer-songwriter wowed crowds in a vibrant ensemble consisting of a yellow top and matching fishnet gloves, a white skirt and colourful trainers as she took to the stage.

The chart-topper was joined by a host of back-up dancers as she sung along to her new track Dai Dai, and was joined by Burna Boy for the high-energy performance.

The Nigerian singer-songwriter emerged among a crowd of dancers, wearing a light wash double-denim ensemble, a white T-shirt and aviator sunglasses as he enthusiastically sang along to the track.

The performance was among the celebrations to mark the start of the eagerly anticipated football competition – which kicked off on Thursday evening with a match between Mexico and South Africa.

Other stars who took to the stage at the opening ceremony included Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean singer EJAE, who performed a rendition of their song DNA.

Opera singer Bocelli posted to Instagram shortly after the event and hailed the experience as “unforgettable”.

He added: “Grateful to have been invited to be part of a moment where music and football brought people together through a shared language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations.”

EJAE, who is known for her role in fictional girl group Huntr/x from the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, posted a behind-the-scenes video embracing Bocelli after the performance.

Over the video, which was shared to her Instagram story, she wrote: “Can’t believe that just happened!! Such a huge honour.”