Lila Downs opened the 2026 World Cup in Mexico with a tribute to Aztec culture

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June 11, 2026June 11, 2026By Mario Vásquez
Lila Downs opened the 2026 World Cup in Mexico with a tribute to Aztec culture

The surprise of the welcome at the opening of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico was given by the voice of Lila Downs, who combined elements of Aztec culture, identified in the costumes and dances.

In just over 10 minutes the inaugural show took place under a mild temperature of almost 23 degrees.

The Aztec culture stood out at the epicenter of its history. It developed in central Mexico, especially in the Valley of Mexico. In the center of said basin was the city of Tenochtitlan, starting point and capital of the so-called Mexica Empire. After the Spanish conquest, this city was destroyed and, in its place, the capital of New Spain was founded, according to historical records.

“People of the world, welcome to Mexico,” said Lila Downs, who dressed in white, a color that has been related to peace between countries. In addition, it constitutes a tribute to feminism, as it transmits a visual message about women’s struggle. In Aztec culture, white was linked to purity, the morning star, and the creator gods.

The rock band Maná was the next to surprise with Hey my lovean interpretation in which red predominated, a symbol of strength.

Different stars converged on stage, joined by Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules and the long-awaited presentation of Shakira and Burna Boy.

The latter, along with a group of dancers, gave life to the emblematic song “Dai Dai”, which mixes rhythms such as afrobeats, dance-pop and reggaeton, characteristic of both artists.

FIFA designed three individual inaugural shows for this championship for Mexico, Canada and the United States, and Mexico was the first to perform before the match between Mexico and South Africa.

The emblematic capital venue thus becomes the first stadium in the world to host three opening matches of a World Cup, after the 1970, 1986 and 2026 editions.

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