The 2026 World Cup began in Mexico City with an opening ceremony at the Azteca Stadium featuring performances by global music stars including Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Danny Ocean, and Fher Olvera. The event, which marks the first time Mexico has hosted the tournament in 40 years, featured performers in indigenous clothing and gold attire. Opera singer Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop Demon Hunters singer Ejae performed the official anthem, “DNA,” while Mexican singer Fernández sang the national anthem alongside fans. South African star Tyla also performed her nation’s anthem. Mexico won the tournament’s opening match against South Africa with a score of 2, 0. According to The Killeen Daily Herald, the match was attended by 80,824 fans. The BBC reported that the stadium was packed with fans in colorful outfits, many wearing Mexico’s team colors. The BBC also noted that the build-up to the tournament involved airport and stadium renovations, protests, and cartel violence in Mexico, though these issues were set aside for the festivities. The tournament is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. While Mexico hosted the opening match, the BBC reported that the other North American hosts will hold their own opening ceremonies on Friday, with the U.S. Ceremony in Los Angeles featuring Tyla alongside Katy Perry, Future, Lisa, and Anitta. Other regional news includes the LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in São Paulo, which saw hundreds of thousands of people fill Paulista Avenue. In Peru, the gap between two presidential candidates narrowed with 96% of ballots counted in a runoff contest; the winner will be the country’s ninth president in 10 years. Also, a gallery of photos from Latin America and the Caribbean was curated by photojournalist Natacha Pisarenko.