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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
The Associated Press

Photos from the spectacular World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City

Mexico Mexico City World Cup Burna Boy J Balvin Shakira South Africa Azteca Stadium the 2026 World Cup
APTOPIX South Africa Mexico WCup Soccer - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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.

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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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