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How Shakira, Salma Hayek Pinault & More Stars Kicked Off the 2026 World Cup
Shakira certainly scored a winning performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Indeed, the “Waka Waka” singer opened up the international soccer competition June 11 by performing the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.
During the number, Shakira wore a neon yellow body suit and sunglasses as she proved her hips still don’t lie with a choreographed dance alongside dozens of backup dancers. Meanwhile, the “City Boys” singer sported a denim outfit as he swayed along with his fellow musician.
“May this 2026 World Cup take place in peace and be a source of joy and unity for people around the world,” Shakira wrote on her Instagram Stories after her performance. “Above all, may we remember our little champions who are waiting for opportunities, such as education, so they can thrive in life.”
The 49-year-old concluded, “We are ready!”
Of course, Shakira wasn’t the only international star to hit the stage: J Balvin also performed a medley of his hits to the Mexico City crowd.
And as Mexico’s athletes prepared to kick off against South Africa, actress Salma Hayek Pinault officially welcomed fans, appearing in a custom Gucci 'fit with a Boucheron broach, before KPop Demon Hunters singer EJAE and Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli performed the World Cup’s official anthem “DNA,” which says that soccer is “more than just a game, it’s our DNA.”
Though Bocelli’s home country is not competing in this year’s World Cup—which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada—he was still grateful to represent Italy.
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
"For me it's a great honour and a pleasure to be here and to represent my country, that unfortunately is not taking part in this World Cup,” he told ESPN. "It means reaping the rewards of what you have sown over so many years of hard work, travel and sacrifice, and doing so in a context that is not only important but also enjoyable."
While Mexico’s opening ceremony was filled with star-studded performances, fans can expect two more opening ceremonies in both the U.S. and Canada.
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Before Team USA kicks off against Paraguay June 12, the Los Angeles-based crowd will get to see an opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry, Future, Blackpink’s LISA and Anitta.
To read up on the international soccer stars to keep an eye out for during the 2026 World Cup, keep reading…
Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Lamine Yamal
Age: 18
World Cup Team: Spain
Current Soccer Club: FC Barcelona (Spain)
Position: Midfielder
Don't let Yamal's age fool you. In just two years since his debut, the Spaniard already has a UEFA European Football Championship under his belt. He was also the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or—also known as the "Golden Ball," an award recognizing the best soccer player of the year—in 2025.
CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images
Lionel Messi
Age: 38
World Cup Team: Argentina
Current Soccer Club: Inter Miami CF (United States)
Position: Forward
History has its eyes on Messi, who is the most decorated player in the world of soccer. Not only is he the defending World Cup champion, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is on the cusp of becoming the first player to win back-to-back World Cups as the captain of his national team.
Clicks Images/Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo
Age: 41
World Cup Team: Portugal
Current Soccer Club: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Position: Forward
There's a reason why Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest players of all time. After all, he's scored over 970 goals in his career so far and shows no signs of stopping. He scored at least 100 goals while playing with each of his former clubs—Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus—as well as over 130 goals with his national team.
Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
Harry Kane
Age: 32
World Cup Team: England
Current Soccer Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Position: Forward
Known as one of the best strikers of his generation, Kane is serving as the captain of England's national team for the third consecutive World Cup. In fact, the London native scored the winning goal at the team's warm-up match against New Zealand on June 6.
Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images
Jamal Musiala
Age: 23
World Cup Team: Germany
Current Soccer Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Position: Midfielder
Ever since kicking off his professional soccer career at age 16, Musiala has been nicknamed "Bambi" for his graceful movements on the pitch. He made his World Cup debut at the 2022 tournament.
Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Neymar
Age: 34
World Cup Team: Brazil
Current Soccer Club: Santos FC (Brazil)
Position: Forward
Born Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, the mononymous sensation is his home country's all-time leading scorer after surpassing Pelé's 52-year record in 2023. He's looking to lead his team back to World Cup glory for the first time since 2002.
Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images
Luka Modric
Age: 40
World Cup Team: Croatia
Current Soccer Club: AC Milan (Italy)
Position: Midfielder
Considered Croatia's greatest soccer player, Modric captained the nation's team to a third-place victory at the 2018 World Cup. He also holds the record for most caps for Croatia, playing for the country more than 190 times on the international stage.
Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe
Age: 27
World Cup Team: France
Current Soccer Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Position: Forward
Mbappe took home the World Cup when he made his debut in 2018. And after coming close in 2022, with Argentina defeating France in a penalty shoot-out, the Frenchman is undoubtedly entering this year's competition with fire in his belly.
Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Vinicius Junior
Age: 25
World Cup Team: Brazil
Current Soccer Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Position: Forward
Born Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, the Brazilian soccer superstar was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player and runner-up to the Ballon d'Or in 2024. In his second World Cup appearance, Vini Jr. is hoping to end Brazil's 24-year wait for the trophy.
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