World Cup 2026, Shakira and Bocelli light up the party
THEThe biggest World Cup ever is ready to start and will do so with an unprecedented celebration. For the first time in the history of the World Cup, there will be three opening ceremonies organized in the three host countries, Mexico, Canada and the United States, with a direction that brings a strong Italian imprint thanks to the work of Balich Wonder Studio.
The first act is staged today in the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico Citytoday Banorte Estadio, a few hours before the opening match between the hosts Mexico and South Africa. A symbolic place for world football, scene of the famous semi-final between Italy and Germany in 1970, of Pelé’s triumphs and the magic of Diego Armando Maradona. The show, lasting about an hour and a half, will feature Shakira together with Burna Boy. The two artists will perform “Dai Dai”, the official anthem of the 2026 World Cup. But among the most anticipated moments of the evening there will above all be the performance of Andrea Bocelli, called to represent Italy within an international cast that also includes David Guetta, Ejeae and Megan Thee Stallion.
The artists will perform “DNA”, a song designed to tell the different souls of the tournament through the encounter between classical music, electronic production and contemporary languages. «Football has always been in my life and will always have a special place in my heart. Being invited to sing the World Cup anthem and participate in the opening ceremony is an honor that moves me deeply”, declared Bocelli on the eve of the event.
The big news of the 2026 edition, however, is the choice to extend the inaugural party to all three host nations. After Mexico, the baton will pass to Canada tomorrow, where BMO Field in Toronto will host the second ceremony before the match between the Canadians and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The protagonists will be two of the country’s most beloved voices, Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette. The last chapter of the trilogy will instead be staged on Saturday at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, before the match between the United States and Panama. Leading the show will be Katy Perry, chosen as the main face of the American party.
The artistic vision of Marco Balich and his team will unite the three events. The common thread will be the World Cup trophy, reinterpreted through the cultural traditions of the different host countries. In Mexico the show will be inspired by “papel picado”, the typical decorated paper used during popular celebrations, while Canada and the United States will propose different readings of the same symbol. For Italian enthusiasts the appointment is set for 7.30pm. The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on television by Rai and in streaming on RaiPlay, before leaving room for the inaugural match between Mexico and South Africa, scheduled for 9pm Italian time. The kick-off of the 2026 World Cup will therefore be accompanied by a global celebration of music and entertainment. And, at least for one evening, they will think about representing Italy on the biggest stage in the world Andrea Bocelli and Marco Balich.
