Mexico vs South Africa LIVE: World Cup 2026 finally underway after Shakira lights up opening ceremony

1’ – And the 2026 World Cup, the first of Gianni’s 104 Super Bowls, is finally underway.

Mexico get us going, playing from left to right as we watch, in their green white and red. South Africa are all yellow.

Mexicans, at the Cry of War is belted out now, a capella, by the players, a lone singer on the mic and the many thousands of home fans in the stands.

In a new twist the full squads are surrounding the centre circle to sing their respective anthems. South Africa, their players in silver jackets above their yellow kits, are first up, arms linked.

The Azteca does look absolutely spectacular.

The teams have been in the tunnel for a few minutes, waiting patiently. But here they now emerge – to a soundtrack of Lose Yourself and Sirius? – and we are close to action.

The flags are carried on to the centre of the pitch in order of group, with the exception of the three co-hosts who are last.

And now we will have Andrea Bocelli in the centre circle singing his tune with David Guetta (yes), EJAE and Megan Thee Stallion – DNA (More than a game).

There will be football soon. Promise.

Right, we’re back to the Azteca for the next opening ceremony. This one features flags of all competing nations, a massive FIFA logo above the pitch.

Our colleagues watching coverage in the USA say that the host broadcaster’s pundits – Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – are talking about who they reckon will be the stars of the tournament. And, unsurprisingly, they are putting forward the obvious contenders.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “I’ll give you Lamine Yamal, a special player, you pay expensive tickets and a player you enjoy. Close up, he looks even more special. 18 years old, amazing player, there’s something special every time he touches the ball.”

Thierry Henry: “It’s what he [Michael Olise] does off the ball, a dream for a manager, I was lucky enough to coach him, he doesn’t play the game, he thinks about the game, you can play him in a lot of positions. You don’t have to change your team to adapt to him, he will fit in. Of course he does [have the potential to be the best in the world].”

Half an hour to go and the warm ups are underway at the Azteca.

It’s hard to predict how this one will go early on. South Africa’s line-up suggests they will do all they can to keep it tight, meaning an early Mexico goal may be needed to settle the hosts nerves and open that match up a bit.

But will El Tri get tetchy if they are unable to find a way through in the opening 45? And will the passionate home support remain loud or be silenced?

Some pictures are dropping on the wires of protests in Mexico City appearing to become a little ugly

… and they were singing their way into the Azteca earlier on.