Where to watch FIFA World Cup opening ceremony: show featuring Shakira Live stream, TV channel
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with an impressive opening ceremony in Mexico City, followed by the first match featuring the hosting nation Mexico against South Africa.
The first World Cup to be hosted by three nations, which are Mexico, USA, and Canada, organized by FIFA, will see a colorful beginning with football and music performances.
Celebrity musician and international icon Shakira is confirmed to be headlining the event by singing the official song for the tournament, ‘Dai Dai,’ among others.
Here, The Sporting News has everything you need to know about the ceremony, including start time, live stream options and TV coverage in India.
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Where to watch FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in India
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City will be available for viewers in India on:
TV: UNITE8 Sports, DD Sports
Live streaming: ZEE5
The ceremony is expected to be televised as part of the broadcaster’s coverage of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Fans can watch it live on TV on Unite8 Sports and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Zee5.
As per BestMediaInfo, the Indian government has made certain games from the World Cup fall under the category of “mandatory sharing framework,” which will mean that games such as the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final will air on DD Sports.
Full coverage will still be provided by Unite8 Sports and ZEE5.
Mexico World Cup opening ceremony start time
In India, the opening ceremony is expected to start at 11:00 p.m. IST on June 11, which is 90 minutes before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa kicking off at 12:30 a.m. IST on June 12.
Region Date Time (IST)
India June 11 11:00 p.m.
Who is performing at the Mexico World Cup opening ceremony?
The ceremony will feature performers including Shakira and Burna Boy, along with several other international and Mexican artists.
Shakira
The Colombian pop star is set to perform at the opening night and she is expected to do the official World Cup song titled “Dai Dai.” In 2010, Shakira was famous for the World Cup theme song “Waka Waka.”
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Burna Boy
In partnership with Shakira, Burna Boy helped create the official World Cup song “Dai Dai” and he is expected to perform at the opening night celebrations.
Alejandro Fernández
Popular Mexican musician Alejandro Fernández will perform on behalf of the host nation.
Belinda
Another Mexican artist that will perform is Belinda who hails from Spain and Mexico.
J Balvin
Reggaeton singer J Balvin will also entertain at the event’s opening night party.
Tyla
One of the artists to perform at the opening night celebrations is South African musician Tyla.
Other Performers
Some other artists expected to perform are members of Maná Mexican rock band, Lila Downs, Venezuelan performer Danny Ocean and Los Ángeles Azules cumbia group.