Mexico City, June 12 (SANA)The2026 FIFA World Cupofficially got underway inMexicoCity late Thursday with a spectacular opening ceremony at the iconicAzteca Stadium, where Mexican culture andfootballtook center stage in a celebration watched by fans around the world.

The ceremony featured vibrant Latin-inspired performances and appearances by international music stars Shakira and J Balvin, highlighting Mexico’s cultural heritage as the tournament begins.

Azteca Stadium also made history by becoming the first venue to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches, having previously staged the tournament openers in 1970 and 1986.