Online Reporter
Just minutes before Bafana Bafana kicked off their 2026 Fifa World Cup match against Mexico, South Africa had already enjoyed a proud moment on one of the biggest stages in global sport.
At the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla joined forces with the Mzansi Youth Choir for a moving rendition of South Africa’s national anthem during the tournament’s opening ceremony.
The performance placed the singer at the heart of a historic moment as millions of football fans around the world tuned in to watch the opening celebrations ahead of the first match of the tournament. For the Johannesburg-born star, the moment clearly meant just as much as it did to viewers back home.
Taking to Instagram after her performance, the singer reflected on the experience and shared her excitement with fans.
“Oh, what I did today? I just sang my country’s national anthem with the @mzansiyouthchoir at the @fifaworldcup today whuttt, lolll I feel so blessed having shared this moment with such special vocalists …
“Thank you for being a part of this core memory. And @bafanabafanaofficial Y’all looked flyyy asf… 2 more games!! Let’s go!!!!” she wrote.
For many South Africans watching from home, the performance was one of the standout moments of the opening ceremony. It brought together one of the country’s biggest music stars and one of its most celebrated youth choirs in a powerful display of national pride before Bafana Bafana took to the pitch.
fter the anthem performance, Tyla celebrated with the choir backstage as they all took pride in the moment. — IOL.
derick.khumalo