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Mexico Opens 2026 World Cup, Becomes First Triple Host

6/12/2026

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Summary

Mexico Hosts Third

Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.
Andrea Bocelli, EJAE, Shakira and Burna Boy performed the anthem “DNA” and debuted the song “Dai Dai” before kickoff.
Salma Hayek gave the welcome speech as a Mexican flag was released from a helicopter.
Mexico became the first nation to host three World Cups, adding 2026 to its 1970 and 1986 editions.

Summary

Universal Music Anthem

Universal Music released “DNA” on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube as the World Cup anthem.
The track mixes Andrea Bocelli’s opera vocals, David Guetta’s electronic production, Megan Thee Stallion’s rap and EJAE’s pop.
EJAE wrote Korean verses inspired by the 2002 Seoul World Cup crowds hugging strangers.
Megan Thee Stallion’s rap adds a Grammy-winning presence to the anthem for the first time.

History

Historical Context

Ricky Martin’s 1998 World Cup anthem “La Copa de la Vida,” released March 9 1998, broke FIFA’s host-nation music tradition and topped charts in 30 countries, establishing a template for tournament songs. That model resurfaces in Mexico’s 2026 opening ceremony, where Universal Music’s anthem “DNA” features Andrea Bocelli, Shakira and Burna Boy, echoing the cross-genre branding first popularized in France.

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Mexico Hosts Third

Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.
Andrea Bocelli, EJAE, Shakira and Burna Boy performed the anthem “DNA” and debuted the song “Dai Dai” before kickoff.
Salma Hayek gave the welcome speech as a Mexican flag was released from a helicopter.
Mexico became the first nation to host three World Cups, adding 2026 to its 1970 and 1986 editions.

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