Tyla will sing from the Estadio Azteca pitch 90 minutes before kick-off.
The ceremony runs until 21:00 SAST, when Hugo Broos’ side opens Group A against co-hosts Mexico in front of more than 80,000 supporters.
Shakira and Burna Boy headline the event, debuting Dai Dai, the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Song. The track supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for children’s education and football access by the tournament’s end.
Tyla, the youngest South African to win a Grammy, joins a lineup that includes Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, Ryan Castro and Salma Hayek as host.
See the full FIFA match schedule for all tournament fixtures.
What time is World Cup 2026 opening ceremony
Opening ceremony start: 19:30 SAST, June 11, 2026
Mexico vs South Africa kick-off: 21:00 SAST
Gates at Estadio Azteca open four hours before kick-off. Organisers expect a full stadium and advise fans to arrive early for pre-match activations and entertainment.
Shakira and Burna Boy debut Dai Dai
Shakira and Burna Boy will perform Dai Dai live for the first time at the ceremony. Shakira also co-headlines the World Cup final halftime show on July 19.
Follow Tyla’s Grammy takeover and World Cup music coverage for more artist news.
How to watch opening ceremony and Bafana opener in South Africa
South African fans can watch across multiple platforms:
Free-to-air television: SABC 1, SABC 3, SABC Sport
Pay television: SuperSport (DStv channels 201, 202, 203, 235) with multi-language commentary including isiZulu and Sesotho
Live streaming: SABC Plus, DStv Stream, SportyTV app
Radio: Live commentary across major SABC Radio stations nationwide
Read the full Bafana vs Mexico match guide for line-ups and broadcast details.
Mexico kicks off trilogy of opening ceremonies
Mexico hosts the first of three opening ceremonies. Canada follows on June 12 before the United States on June 13.
The tournament runs across three nations for the first time, with 48 teams competing from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The debate over South Africa’s artist delegation continues. Bafana’s near-grounding over visa delays added further pre-tournament disruption.
