The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened with a dazzling ceremony at Mexico City's iconic stadium, drawing more than 80,000 spectators on site and millions watching worldwide. A lineup that included Tyla, J Balvin, Belinda and legendary cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules turned the event into a cultural showcase, while Mexican actress Salma Hayek served as the honorary host. President Claudia Sheinbaum, however, chose not to attend, instead awarding a ticket to a young fan through a national contest.

Ty​la, J Balvin and Belinda headline a star‑studded roster

The musical program featured a mix of international pop and regional Mexican sounds, with South African singer Tyla opening the show, followed by a high‑energy set from Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin. Mexican pop sensation Belinda and the cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules added local flavor, underscoring FIFA’s aim to celebrate the host nations’ diversity. According to the event report, the performances were choreographed to sync with a massive light display that illuminated the stadium’s façade.

Salma Hayek serves as honorary host amid celebrity glitter

Hollywood‑born actress and producer Salma Hayek was named the honorary host of the ceremony, delivering opening remarks that highlighted football’s power to unite the three host countries—Mexico, the United States and Canada. Her presence linked the spectacle to a broader cultural narrative, and she introduced each act with brief anecdotes about the artists’ connections to the sport. The report notes that Hayek’s involvement was praised for adding a touch of glamour without eclipsing the athletes.

President Claudia Sheinbaum skips match but gifts a ticket to a fan

In a surprising political move, President Claudia Sheinbaum declined to attend the opening match, citing a packed schedule of governmental duties.. Instead, she handed a ticket to a young Mexican soccer enthusiast who won a nationwide contest, a gesture the report describes as “a symbolic nod to the fans.” The decision sparked debate on social media, with some critics questioning the optics of a head of state missing such a high‑profile event.

80,000 fans fill the staium while millions tune in globally

The ceremony attracted more than 80,000 attendees inside the venue, according to the official count, and was broadcast to an estimated global audience of several hundred million. The massive turnout reflects the growing appetite for live sport‑entertainment hybrids, a trend that FIFA hopes to replicate in future tournaments. observers also pointed out that the crowd size rivals that of previous World Cup finals, signaling strong regional support.

Why did President Sheinbaum skip the ceremony?

Two specific questions remain unanswered: first, whether the president’s absence was driven by genuine scheduling conflicts or a calculated political statement; second, how the ticket‑gift initiative was selected and whether it adhered to transparent contest rules. The source does not provide a direct comment from Sheinbaum’s office, leaving analysts to speculate on the motivations behind the decision.