Shakira headlined the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, according to reports from Las Estrellas. The event launched a tournament characterized by contrasting crowd dynamics, as low ticket sales for the inaugural match between Canada and Bosnia were offset by a massive presence of Mexican supporters, according to Récord and CNN en Español.
- Headlining Artist: Shakira
- Opening Match: Canada vs. Bosnia
- Host Country: United States
- Fan Highlight: Large-scale presence of Mexican “marea verde” supporters
How Shakira Headlined the Opening Ceremony
The 2026 World Cup began with a performance by Shakira, which Las Estrellas described as a
historic espectáculo
. The Colombian artist’s appearance served as the centerpiece of the United States’ inaugural celebrations, following schedules and artist lineups previously detailed by ESPN México.
Attendance Disparity Between Opening Match and Fan Presence
Reports from the opening venue show a sharp divide between official ticket holders and the general crowd. Récord reported low attendance for the specific opening match between Canada and Bosnia, noting a lack of spectators in the stands for the kickoff.
Despite the low turnout for the Canada-Bosnia game, the atmosphere remained high due to the arrival of Mexican fans. CNN en Español reported that the “marea verde” (green tide) of supporters for the Mexican national team flooded the area, describing the event as a “life experience” for those attending, regardless of whether they held a ticket for the match.
The Broader Impact of the Inaugural Event
The contrast in attendance figures highlights a recurring trend in global sporting events where fan culture often transcends the specific match on the pitch. While the Canada-Bosnia fixture struggled to fill seats, the presence of the Mexican fanbase ensured a high-energy environment for the tournament’s start, according to reports from CNN en Español.
