Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli officially started his road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday (June 10) with a performance of the iconic theme from the film Gladiator, Nelle Tue Mani (Now I’m Free), from his album Cinema, at the FIFA Countdown Concert at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City.
The show, which aired around the world on the eve of the tournament, also featured iconic cumbia band Los Angeles Azules, along with pop star Belinda and Venezuelan singer-songwriter Elena Rose. The event was part of FIFA’s Countdown Concert Series and brought together the three host cities of Mexico City, Los Angeles and Toronto through simultaneous live performances under the concept of “Three Cities, One Concert, One World Connected Through Football and Music.”
Former soccer players Bebeto, Cafu, Mario Kempes and Marco Materazzi took part in the music festival to unveil the trophy awarded to the winning team of the World Cup, which will be held for the first time in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Belinda and the Los Angeles Azuls perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert held at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, Mexico on June 10, 2026.
Claudia Rosell – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Together with Belinda, Los Azures performed the song “Por Ella” and the hit song “Amor a Primera Vista”, which are included in the official album of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Elena Rose captivated the audience with her powerful anthem “Me Lo Merezco.”
Elena Rose performs at the FIFA Countdown Concert for the 2026 World Cup at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City on June 10, 2026.
Claudia Rosell – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Toronto native Bryan Adams brought the sports-themed party to life with his hits “Roll with the Punches” and “Summer of ’69.” The Canadian city also featured performances by AHI and Wyclef Jean, who performed “Chosen.” Toronto’s lineup also included Nora Fatehi and The Beaches.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Davido performed a medley of “Fall,” “Unavailable” and “With You,” before Diplo’s Major Lazer closed the show with “Lean On.” Ava Max and BIA also took to the stage.
The countdown concert in Mexico City was followed by another show entitled “Mexico Vibra” featuring major Mexican music stars such as Karin León, Lucero, Carlos Rivera, Carla Morrison and Emmanuel del Real. This follow-up event was also held at the Auditorio Nacional to celebrate the time leading up to the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It began with the Minería Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jesús Medina, premiering Monarca Mundial, a work dedicated to the 48 countries participating in the tournament. This was followed by Benny Ibarra, Carlos Rivera, mariachi accompaniment, and Carla Morrison, who performed heartfelt renditions of Mexican classics such as Álvaro Carrillo’s “Sabor a Mi” and José José’s iconic “El Triste.”
Accompanied by Mariachi Gama 100, Lucero was one of the most anticipated artists of the night at Mexico Vibra. “It’s so great to be from Mexico. We’re all excited to have so many people here to celebrate this great event,” the singer said. “Long live Mexico, and may Mexico win!”
Mexican regional music superstar Karin León closed the show, which also featured performances by Matisse, Timbiriche, Los Ángeles Azules, and Banda El Recodo. The Sonora native was captivated by the iconic song “El Rey” by Jose Alfredo Jiménez, an icon of Mexican ranchera music.
On Thursday (June 11), Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian sensation Burna Boy will headline the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The set will feature the debut live performance of the collaboration “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup, and is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before the match. The musical section will feature Alejandro Fernandez, who will sing the national anthem, as well as stars such as Mana, J. Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Azures, and Tyra.
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