When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico City, one of the night's most talked-about moments came before a ball was even kicked.

South African superstar Tyla took center stage at the legendary Estadio Azteca on 11 June, delivering a powerful rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika ahead of the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.

According to The South African, FIFA had previously announced that the Grammy-winning singer would perform the South African national anthem before kick-off, placing one of Africa’s biggest music exports at the heart of football’s biggest event.

Tyla was part of a star-packed opening ceremony that brought together some of the world's most recognizable artists. The lineup included Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin and Mexican music legend Alejandro Fernández, who performed Mexico’s national anthem.

Representing South Africa, Tyla delivered a vocal-focused performance alongside the Mzansi Youth Choir, creating a moment that resonated strongly with viewers back home and audiences watching around the world.

Almost immediately, social media lit up with reactions. Many South Africans praised her live vocals and celebrated the visibility she brought to South African music and culture on one of the largest global stages. Others wished the performance had lasted longer, while some viewers joked about television cameras not giving enough screen time to her full look during the broadcast.

The performance carried extra emotional weight for South African fans. The match marked the country's return to the FIFA World Cup after its historic role as host nation in 2010, making Tyla’s appearance feel like more than just another music performance.

And this is only the beginning of her World Cup run.

Tyla is among a select group of artists chosen to appear at multiple FIFA World Cup opening celebrations as the tournament unfolds across Mexico, Canada and the United States. She is scheduled to perform again at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June alongside major international acts including Future, LISA, Katy Perry and Anitta.

Her connection to the tournament extends beyond the stage. Tyla also appears on the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album through Game Time, a collaboration with Future.