The World Cup has officially begun, with the eyes of the world on Mexico City where the opening ceremony of the historic tournament took place on Thursday evening. For the first time in World Cup history, the event is hosted by three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada, each staging its own opening ceremony. If you missed the first celebration led by Shakira, there is no need to worry.Mexico, hosting the tournament for the first time since 1986, opened the World Cup at Estadio Azteca. After Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the 2010 World Cup anthem that brought the Colombian star global success, Shakira returned with the new tournament song Dai Dai alongside Nigerian rapper Burna Boy. The collaboration has already drawn hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. She is also expected to feature among the headline performers at the World Cup final halftime show alongside BTS and Madonna.Just before the opening match of the World Cup (Video: Oz Moalem)The ceremony featured Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández performing Mi México Lindo, pop star Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules with Por Ella, Venezuelan singer and producer Danny Ocean with Partidazo and South African Afrobeat star Tyla with Game Time. Also appearing were Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin, Colombian singer Ryan Castro, Mexican artist Lila Downs and Mexican rock band Maná.As the ceremony concluded, the opening match between Mexico and South Africa will take place on the pitch in Group A. Fernández will perform the Mexican national anthem, while Tyla will perform South Africa’s anthem.8 View gallery Everything is ready. Mexico fans in the stadium (Photo: Oz Moalem)Even before Shakira took the stage, the Estadio Azteca speakers blasted We Will Rock You, because no major sporting celebration exists without Freddie Mercury. The voice of Queen’s legendary frontman continues to accompany major sporting events worldwide and, given tradition, it would not be surprising if it returns for the final as well.On Friday at 10 p.m. Israel time, it will be Canada’s turn, hosting the World Cup for the first time. At BMO Field in Toronto, before Canada’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé will perform.The song Illuminate, from the official FIFA World Cup album, will be performed by Grammy-winning Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna alongside Canadian artist Jessie Reyez. The video opens with clips of Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup triumph with Argentina, along with footage of Paolo Rossi, Carlos Alberto and other legends.Canadian-Haitian singer Fefe Dobson, DJ Sango and French artist Vegedream will also perform Siir Siir, alongside Canadian folk singer William Prince and Alessia Cara. Morissette will sing the Canadian anthem and Aleksandar Gajić will perform the Bosnian anthem.8 View gallery Opening ceremony (Photo: REUTERS/Eloisa Sanchez)8 View gallery (Photo: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)8 View gallery (Photo: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)Later that night at 1:30 a.m. Israel time, the baton will pass to the United States ahead of its match against Paraguay at 4 a.m. The U.S. last hosted the World Cup in 1994, when Diana Ross headlined the opening ceremony at Soldier Field in Chicago. This time, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the main performers will be Katy Perry and rapper Future, who will also perform Game Time alongside Tyla.Anitta, Lisa and Rema will perform Goals, the opening track from FIFA’s World Cup album, while American duo Dan + Shay will sing the US national anthem. Paraguay’s anthem will be performed by the group Purahéi Soul.How seriously are Mexicans taking the event? President Claudia Sheinbaum declared a public holiday in the capital, sent federal workers on leave, recommended private employers do the same and canceled classes across all education levels so no one would be distracted from the historic match between Mexico and South Africa.8 View gallery Shakira will heat up New Mexico. The Azteca (Photo: Mario VAZQUEZ / AFP)Prices have already skyrocketed. Mexican fan José Mejías paid $2,300 for a ticket to the opening match. He traveled from the United States with his wife and children and bought five tickets in total. “Worth every dollar,” he said in Independence Square, where a golden statue of the Greek goddess Nike stands, a traditional site for national celebrations.Meanwhile, while FIFA sells hospitality packages worth thousands of dollars, residents around Estadio Azteca offered a far more basic service: “Toilets, 100 pesos,” read signs posted on fences. Even at the World Cup, as it turns out, there is business at every level.8 View gallery Dreaming big. Mexico fans outside the stadium (Photo: Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)Alongside the celebrations, a major cloud hangs over Mexico City in the form of teacher protests. Thousands of educators from the CNTE union are demonstrating in the city center, demanding higher wages and pension reforms. In recent weeks, their encampment has become a permanent fixture in the capital, joined over time by other protest groups seeking to use global attention to advance their causes, including farmers’ organizations and animal rights activists.World Cup 2026: Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet correspondents in MexicoReports in Mexico suggested President Sheinbaum was considering skipping the opening ceremony, but government officials later issued a firm message promising strict enforcement against any attempts at violence or disruption. As of Thursday, she is expected to attend.Police are deployed across the city, including undercover units, and security has been reinforced around the massive fan zone in the Zócalo, where tens of thousands of fans are expected to gather in front of giant screens. Metal barriers have been installed and access has been restricted.8 View gallery The Mexicans are on their way (Photo: Mario Vazquez / AFP)8 View gallery (Photo: LUIS CORTES / AFP)