Shakira certainly scored a winning performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Indeed, the “Waka Waka” singer opened up the international soccer competition June 11 by performing the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.
During the number, Shakira wore a neon yellow body suit and sunglasses as she proved her hips still don’t lie with a choreographed dance alongside dozens of backup dancers. Meanwhile, the “City Boys” singer sported a denim outfit as he swayed along with his fellow musician.
“May this 2026 World Cup take place in peace and be a source of joy and unity for people around the world,” Shakira wrote on her Instagram Stories after her performance. “Above all, may we remember our little champions who are waiting for opportunities, such as education, so they can thrive in life.”
Of course, Shakira wasn’t the only international star to hit the stage: J Balvin also performed a medley of his hits to the Mexico City crowd.
And as Mexico’s athletes prepared to kick off against South Africa, actress Salma Hayek officially welcomed fans before KPop Demon Hunters singer EJAE and Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli performed the World Cup’s official anthem “DNA,” which says that soccer is “more than just a game, it’s our DNA.”
Though Bocelli’s home country is not competing in this year’s World Cup—which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada—he was still grateful to represent Italy.
"For me it's a great honour and a pleasure to be here and to represent my country, that unfortunately is not taking part in this World Cup,” he told ESPN. "It means reaping the rewards of what you have sown over so many years of hard work, travel and sacrifice, and doing so in a context that is not only important but also enjoyable."
While Mexico’s opening ceremony was filled with star-studded performances, fans can expect two more opening ceremonies in both the U.S. and Canada.
Before Team USA kicks off against Paraguay June 12, the Los Angeles-based crowd will get to see an opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry, Future, Blackpink’s LISA and Anitta.
To read up on the international soccer stars to keep an eye out for during the 2026 World Cup, keep reading…
Don't let Yamal's age fool you. In just two years since his debut, the Spaniard already has a UEFA European Football Championship under his belt. He was also the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or—also known as the "Golden Ball," an award recognizing the best soccer player of the year—in 2025.
Current Soccer Club: Inter Miami CF (United States)
History has its eyes on Messi, who is the most decorated player in the world of soccer. Not only is he the defending World Cup champion, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is on the cusp of becoming the first player to win back-to-back World Cups as the captain of his national team.
There's a reason why Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest players of all time. After all, he's scored over 970 goals in his career so far and shows no signs of stopping. He scored at least 100 goals while playing with each of his former clubs—Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus—as well as over 130 goals with his national team.
Known as one of the best strikers of his generation, Kane is serving as the captain of England's national team for the third consecutive World Cup. In fact, the London native scored the winning goal at the team's warm-up match against New Zealand on June 6.
Ever since kicking off his professional soccer career at age 16, Musiala has been nicknamed "Bambi" for his graceful movements on the pitch. He made his World Cup debut at the 2022 tournament.
Born Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, the mononymous sensation is his home country's all-time leading scorer after surpassing Pelé's 52-year record in 2023. He's looking to lead his team back to World Cup glory for the first time since 2002.
Considered Croatia's greatest soccer player, Modric captained the nation's team to a third-place victory at the 2018 World Cup. He also holds the record for most caps for Croatia, playing for the country more than 190 times on the international stage.
Mbappe took home the World Cup when he made his debut in 2018. And after coming close in 2022, with Argentina defeating France in a penalty shoot-out, the Frenchman is undoubtedly entering this year's competition with fire in his belly.
Born Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, the Brazilian soccer superstar was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player and runner-up to the Ballon d'Or in 2024. In his second World Cup appearance, Vini Jr. is hoping to end Brazil's 24-year wait for the trophy.