Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli officially kicked off the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (June 10), delivering at the FIFA Countdown Concert at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City with a performance of “Nelle Tue Mani (Now We Are Free),” the iconic theme from the film Gladiator included in his album Cinema.

Broadcast globally on the eve of the tournament, the show also featured the iconic cumbia band Los Ángeles Azules alongside pop star Belinda and Venezuelan singer-songwriter Elena Rose. The event, part of FIFA’s Countdown Concert series, connected the three host cities — Mexico City, Los Angeles and Toronto — through simultaneous live performances under the concept “Three cities. One concert. One world united by football and music.”

Former soccer stars Bebeto, Cafu, Mario Kempes and Marco Materazzi joined the musical celebration, showcasing the trophy that will be awarded to the winning team of this World Cup, which for the first time will be held across three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Belinda and Los Angeles Azules perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert at Auditorio Nacional on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. Claudia Rosel – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Los Ángeles Azules, together with Belinda, performed “Por Ella,” a track included in the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, as well as their hit “Amor a Primera Vista.” Elena Rose captivated the audience with her empowering anthem “Me Lo Merezco.”

Elena Rose performs at the FIFA Countdown Concert for the 2026 World Cup, at the Auditorio Nacional, on June 10, 2026, in Mexico City. Claudia Rosel – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

From Toronto, Bryan Adams energized the sports-themed party with his hits “Roll With the Punches” and “Summer of ’69.” The Canadian city also saw performances by AHI and Wyclef Jean, who delivered a rendition of “Chosen.” Other acts on the Toronto lineup included Nora Fatehi and The Beaches.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Davido performed a medley of “Fall,” “Unavailable” and “With You” before Diplo’s Major Lazer closed out the show with “Lean On.” Ava Max and BIA also took the stage.

Following the Countdown Concert in Mexico City was another show titled México Vibra, featuring major Mexican music stars such as Carín León, Lucero, Carlos Rivera, Carla Morrison and Emmanuel del Real. This follow-up event, also held at the Auditorio Nacional, celebrated the hours leading up to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

It began with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, conducted by Jesús Medina, premiering the piece “Monarca Mundial,” dedicated to the 48 countries participating in the tournament. Benny Ibarra, Carlos Rivera accompanied by mariachi, and Carla Morrison followed with heartfelt renditions of Mexican classics such as Álvaro Carrillo’s “Sabor a Mí” and José José’s iconic “El Triste.”

Lucero, accompanied by the Mariachi Gama 100, was one of the most anticipated artists of the evening at Mexico Vibra. “It’s so wonderful to be from Mexico, and we are all thrilled to welcome so many people here to celebrate this great event,” said the singer. “Long live Mexico, and may Mexico win!”

Regional Mexican music superstar Carín León closed out the show, which also featured performances from Matisse, Timbiriche, Los Ángeles Azules and Banda El Recodo. The Sonora native dazzled with the iconic José Alfredo Jiménez song “El Rey,” a symbol of Mexican ranchera music.

On Thursday (June 11), Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian sensation Burna Boy will headline the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup for the match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The set will feature the debut live performance of their collaboration “Dai Dai” – the official song of the 2026 World Cup – and is scheduled to start 90 minutes before the match. The musical segment will also feature stars including Alejandro Fernández, who will sing the national anthem, as well as Maná, J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules and Tyla.