Ballet Folklórico de México to perform at 2026 FIFA World Cup opening in Mexico City

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández was selected to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony before the tournament’s first match in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. The appearance marks a high-profile moment for the 75-year-old company ahead of a planned 2027 U.S. tour.

Why it matters: - Ballet Folklórico de México’s appearance at the World Cup opening ceremony puts one of Mexico’s most recognized cultural institutions on a global stage. - The performance arrives during the company’s 75th anniversary year, adding symbolic weight to the milestone. - The event also comes just before a planned 2027 U.S. tour that could expand the company’s reach to new audiences.

What happened: - Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández performed at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, 2026. - The performance came before the tournament’s first match in Mexico City Stadium. - The company was selected by Mexico to take part in the kickoff event. - The ceremony drew an audience of 83,000 people.

The details: - Ballet Folklórico de México is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026. - Amalia Hernández founded the company in 1952. - Hernández created the company to recover and celebrate Mexican traditions through dance. - The company says it is now considered the most important of its kind in the world. - The troupe has more than 120 original choreographies. - Its work is built around elaborate traditional costumes, technical rigor and staged folkloric dance forms. - The company has reached more than 45 million spectators. - The repertoire includes dances, music, customs and costumes drawn from research across Mexico’s states. - The company’s general direction is led by Salvador Lopez, Amalia Hernández’s grandson. - Viviana Basanta Hernández, the founder’s daughter, serves as artistic director. - The 2027 U.S. tour is expected to run from January through March 2027. - The tour is expected to include more than 50 cities. - IMG Artists is booking the tour. - For more information, visit the company’s website.

Between the lines: - The World Cup booking reinforces Ballet Folklórico de México’s role as a cultural ambassador for Mexico. - The timing suggests the company is pairing a major international moment with a broader push to build momentum for its 2027 tour. - The release leans on legacy and scale to position the company as both historically important and still commercially active.

What’s next: - Ballet Folklórico de México is expected to announce more about its 2027 U.S. tour soon. - The tour is expected to add another major run of performances across North America after the World Cup spotlight. - IMG Artists will continue handling tour booking and management for the U.S. dates.

The bottom line: - The World Cup performance gives Ballet Folklórico de México a global showcase at a moment when the company is also preparing for a major 2027 tour.