Mexico city: The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a tribute to World Cup champions Pele and Maradona on Mexican soil, with Shakira set to perform. The event will be held at the Banorte Stadium, also known as the "Estadio Azteca," in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony will commemorate Pel© and Brazil's victory at the 1970 World Cup, celebrating Brazil as the first nation to win three World Cups. This tribute will also mark the retirement of Pel© and Brazil's ownership of the Jules Rimet Trophy. Pel© passed away on December 29, 2022, and Rivelino, a representative from the 1970 Brazilian national team, will be present at the ceremony.
The ceremony will also honor Diego Maradona, the Argentinian legend and key figure of the 1986 World Cup, which was won at Estadio Azteca in 1986. Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020.
The event will see performances by a range of artists, including Mexican rock band Man¡, singers Belinda and Lila Downes, and the Mexican cumbia band Los ngeles Azules. International artists such as Nigerian singer Bruna Boy, Colombian singers led by Shakira, and Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean will also perform. Additionally, Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek will make an appearance. Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez is set to sing the Mexican national anthem, while South African singer Tyla will perform the South African national anthem.