World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, vibrant fans, and protests

The 2026 World Cup has begun in Mexico City with an opening ceremony filled with colour, culture and a performance by global music star Shakira.

Thousands of fans arrived at the legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City with a real sense of excitement and anticipation to watch the World Cup on their home turf for the first time in 40 years.

It's been a complicated build-up, from the renovations of the airport and Azteca stadium, to protests and clashes around the event, and the cartel violence seen in Mexico only months ago.

On Thursday, those issues appear to have been mostly pushed to the side as football takes centre stage in Mexico, and the country emerged victorious in its first game.

There were sporadic violent clashes at points around the stadium as more radical protesters attempted to disrupt the event and were met by a forceful and heavy security response.

The BBC saw at least one person being detained outside the match. It appeared, however, to be a number of smaller incidents as the anticipated possibility of a major demonstration was averted.

Javier Pérez came with his family for the opener and told the BBC that the excitement now outweighs any hassles experienced up to this point.

"We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it's a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful," he said.

"I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we'll see how far we can go!"

Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside the US and Canada, with those North American teams hosting their own opening ceremonies on Friday.

Today, the focus is on Mexico's festivities. Ahead of the co-hosts match against South Africa, fans in the stadium were treated to musical performances from Shakira, Colombia's J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy and Latin music star Danny Ocean. Mexican singer-songwriter Fher Olvera of the pop punk band Maná took the stage to sing the classic Oye Mi Amor.

"Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico," a performer announced to start the tournament.

"Mexico receives you with smiles from our heart. We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations. The trophy is not defined by one player or nation but by all."

Performers wore indigenous clothing, while others were dressed in all gold and held giant golden footballs above their heads.

A packed stadium of fans dressed in their own colourful outfits, many wearing Mexico's team colours.

Tyla sings South African national anthem

Opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop Demon Hunters singer Ejae performed the tournament's official anthem DNA, which was officially released on Wednesday.

Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández, who is the son of veteran crooner Vicente Fernández, sang the Mexican national anthem in unison with many of the 80,000 fans.

Grammy-winning South African star Tyla performed her nation's anthem.

Tyla, whose hits include the song Water and the Fifa song Game Time, will return to the World Cup stage on Friday to take part in the US opening ceremony in Los Angeles alongside Katy Perry, Future, Lisa and Anitta.

Fifa has tapped a bevy of global artists for the ceremonies, several of whom are featured on the 18-song Official Fifa World Cup 2026 Album.

Clashes around the stadium

Despite a heightened security presence around the 82,000-person stadium, limited and sporadic clashes erupted, temporarily shutting down nearby metro stations.

Mexican officials said that nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters and clashed with law enforcement, but the situation "was brought under control" by police.

Meanwhile, teachers and families of those who have gone missing in Mexico's drug war marched in various protests, to highlight their causes while the country is in the global spotlight.

Additional reporting from Elizabeth Conway, BBC Sport at the Azteca Stadium.