2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off: Ejae & Andrea Bocelli Perform ‘DNA’ at Mexico City Opening Ceremony
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially launched with a spectacular opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday. Korean American singer-songwriter Ejae, known for “Golden” from Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” graced the stage alongside renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli to perform the tournament’s official anthem, “DNA.”
This performance marked the live debut of the highly anticipated song, “DNA,” which FIFA had released just the day prior. While French DJ David Guetta and American rapper Megan Thee Stallion also feature on the studio recording, they were not present at the Mexico City event.
Ejae contributed significantly to the anthem, writing its Korean lyrics, including a poignant line she sang near the track’s conclusion about resilience and getting back up after a fall. In a statement released by FIFA, she expressed the deep personal meaning of writing in Korean and considered representing South Korea on the global World Cup stage a profound honor.
The vibrant ceremony commenced shortly before noon, captivating a crowd of over 80,000 fervent fans, many clad in Mexico’s iconic green jerseys. The historic Estadio Azteca, hosting a World Cup opener for the first time in four decades, buzzed with energy.
Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of the Aztecs – the ancient civilization centered in what is now Mexico City and the namesake of the stadium – the show featured dancers in elaborate feathered costumes and performers dazzling head-to-toe in gold, parading oversized golden soccer balls across the expansive field.
The musical festivities continued with Mexican singer Lila Downs extending a warm welcome in both Spanish and English. She introduced a stellar lineup of Latin American music sensations, including Venezuela’s Danny Ocean, Mexican pop stars Belinda and Los Angeles Azules, rock band Mana, and Colombia’s J Balvin and Ryan Castro.
Global superstar Shakira made a triumphant return to the World Cup stage, 16 years after her memorable “Waka Waka” performance at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. This time, she performed “Dai Dai,” another of this tournament’s official songs, alongside Nigerian sensation Burna Boy, electrifying the audience.
Following a segment where Mexican American actor and tournament ambassador Salma Hayek welcomed fans as the flags of all 48 competing teams were majestically carried onto the field, Bocelli and Ejae concluded the main show with their powerful rendition of “DNA.”
The national anthems added another layer of cultural significance: South African singer Tyla performed her country’s anthem, followed by Alejandro Fernandez delivering Mexico’s. Both South Africa and Mexico are grouped with South Korea in Group A, alongside the Czech Republic, against whom Korea will play its opening match.
This historic 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, running until July 19, marks several firsts: it’s the first to be co-hosted by three nations — Mexico, the United States, and Canada — and the first to feature an expanded format with 48 participating teams.
Each host nation is set to stage its own unique opening ceremony. Following Mexico’s grand event, Canada and the United States will host their ceremonies in Toronto and Los Angeles, respectively, on Friday. The Los Angeles celebration promises an star-studded lineup including Blackpink’s Lisa, Katy Perry, Future, and Anitta.
In the tournament’s inaugural match, Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a highly contentious opener. The game saw three players sent off, setting a new record for a World Cup opening match and marking the most red cards in any World Cup game since Portugal and the Netherlands’ encounter in 2006.
Looking ahead, Mexico is scheduled to face South Korea on home turf in Guadalajara on June 19, setting the stage for an exciting Group A clash.
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