Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentUK EditionChangeNewsNewsBulletinUKUSWorldGlobal AidUK PoliticsMoneyBrexitHealthBusinessScienceSpaceNews VideosPremiumPremiumPolitics ExplainedEditorialsVoicesLong ReadsNews AnalysisToday’s EditionWorld CupWorld CupFixtures & standingsEnglandScotlandSportSportFootballFormula 1Rugby UnionCricketTennisBoxingUFCHorse RacingCyclingGolfSport VideosVoicesVoicesEditorialsLettersJohn RentoulMary DejevskyAndrew GriceSean O’GradyCultureCultureFilmTV & RadioMusicGamesBooksArtPhotographyTheatre & DanceCulture VideosIndyBestIndyBestHome & GardenGadgets & TechFashion & BeautyDealsFood & DrinkKidsBooksTravel & OutdoorsSports & FitnessTravelTravelHotel ReviewsNews & AdviceCruisesUKEuropeUSAAsiaAustralia & New ZealandSouth AmericaC. America & CaribbeanMiddle EastMoreLifestyleShoppingBeauty Fitness & WellbeingTechFood & DrinkFashionLove & SexHealth & FamiliesRoyal FamilyHomeMotoringElectric Vehicles Lifestyle VideosDealsTravel DealsFashion DealsHome & Garden DealsTech DealsClimateNewsClimate 100Electric Vehicles VoicesSustainable LivingExplainedClimate VideosSolar PanelsTVACFCWell EnoughWorld of TroubleTravel SmartDrive SmartMoney SmartMusic BoxDecomplicatedOn The GroundIndy100Today’s EditionCrosswords & PuzzlesMost CommentedNewslettersAsk Me AnythingVirtual EventsBetting SitesCasino Sites Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inNewsBookmark A star-studded opening ceremony featuring Shakira, Burna Boy and J Balvin kicked off the 2026 World Cup before a crowd of more than 80,000 at the revamped Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Mexico opened the 48-team tournament against South Africa as the competition began amid escalating protests and social tensions in the capital.___This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in