In a night that blended Hollywood glamour with football fever, global star Salma Hayek stole the spotlight at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held on Thursday, June 11, at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Serving as the tournament's official ambassador and media face, Hayek welcomed the teams and fans ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
An Unforgettable Look — Fiery Red on the Pitch
Shakira's outfit wasn't the only one turning heads that night. Salma Hayek opted for an elegant red suit by the Italian house Gucci — a cropped jacket and tailored trousers, paired with a silk shirt and a modern tie, finished with a simple hairstyle and soft makeup. It was a bold, powerful color that perfectly matched the Latin festive spirit and the colors of the Mexican flag.
Hayek appeared on the main stage alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, before lifting the golden FIFA trophy in front of the crowd amid a striking celebratory atmosphere and warm cheers from the fans.
"Long live Mexico... Long live football."
— Salma Hayek, from her welcome speech at Estadio AztecaThe 48-Flag Moment — The Ambassador's Spotlight
One of Hayek's standout segments was the entrance of the 48 participating team flags — in the largest edition in the tournament's history. The crowd reacted enthusiastically to the moment, which embodied the global spirit of the event and cemented Hayek's role as the "human face" of a World Cup co-hosted by three nations: Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
🏟️ Historic fact: With this ceremony, Estadio Azteca becomes the only stadium in the world to host three World Cup opening ceremonies, after the 1970 and 1986 editions — a record no other venue has come close to matching.
From Hollywood to the Pitch — Who Is Salma Hayek?
Salma Hayek is a Mexican actress and producer of Lebanese descent, born in Mexico, who built a global name in Hollywood through films like Frida and Desperado. Her selection as World Cup ambassador came as no surprise — she's a passionate football fan and a bridge between Mexican identity and global stardom, exactly what a ceremony of this scale called for.
On the work front, Hayek stars in the third installment of the comedy franchise "Grown Ups" alongside a roster of Hollywood names including Adam Sandler, Maria Bello, and Kevin James, set to hit theaters soon.
Stars Who Lit Up the Night — Shakira Leads
Alongside Salma Hayek, Colombian superstar Shakira set the ceremony ablaze with the new official anthem "Dai Dai", performed with Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy — adding a fourth chapter to her storied World Cup history. The show also featured big names such as Andrea Bocelli, Mexican rock band Maná, J Balvin, and Los Ángeles Azules.
How the Opening Night Unfolded
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Salma Hayek proved she was far more than a guest of honor. She was the beating heart of the night — an iconic red look, a moving speech, and the trophy-lifting moment that will remain one of the defining images of the historic 2026 World Cup opening on Mexican soil.
Share this story
