Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy co‑headlined the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, 2026, achieving a milestone no African artist has reached before.
While other African acts (including K’naan in 2010 and Angelique Kidjo in 2010) have performed at World Cup events, Burna Boy is the first African artist to co‑headline an opening ceremony night and debut the primary, official tournament anthem – “Dai Dai,” performed alongside Colombian pop icon Shakira.
The high‑energy spectacle took place atop an enormous turquoise‑and‑yellow flag reading “We are ready,” with synchronised dancers and a burst of green, white, and red fireworks as the 80,000‑capacity stadium roared.
The ceremony kicked off 90 minutes before the opening match between co‑hosts Mexico and South Africa.
The collaboration, built with Global Citizen, supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for children’s sports and education worldwide.
Burna Boy’s unique place in history is not simply performing at a World Cup – it is headlining the tournament’s grand opening with the official anthem.
