Tyla Performs at FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony with Statement Nails and Designer Heels

South African artist Tyla delivered the national anthem at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City, pairing her powerful vocal performance with carefully curated fashion choices that celebrated her heritage. The singer wore transparent Jeffrey Campbell Booyah sandals—featuring a wedge heel, cutout design, and metallic ring detail—while nail artist Coca Michelle hand-painted the South African flag on elongated almond-shaped nails beneath a glossy white polish.

The Performance and Setting

Tyla took the stage flanked by the Mzansi Youth Choir to perform her country's national anthem before South Africa faced Mexico in Group A of the tournament. The performance represented a full-circle moment for the Johannesburg-born artist, who referenced South Africa's hosting of the World Cup in 2010 when discussing her involvement with the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album. Beyond the opening ceremony, Tyla is also scheduled to appear at the U.S. opening ceremony in Los Angeles, where she joins a lineup that includes Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, and Rema ahead of the U.S. Men's National Team's match against Paraguay.

Fashion and Nail Design Choices

The Jeffrey Campbell Booyah heels in white retail for $170, though tan suede versions are available at $195. Tyla paired the transparent sandals with a color-blocked body-con dress featuring a knee-length hemline with subtle flare and a sleeveless design. Her hair was styled in an updo with a single lock framing her face. According to Coca Michelle, the nail concept originated from a design rejected during Tyla's previous album rollout. Michelle created the fresh set using the OPI GELevate System, applying the South African flag colors—including black, green, red, and gold—on the nail undersides before finishing with Alpine Snow polish on top.

Michelle described the manicure as "clean and effortless" while noting that the hand-painted flag underneath "adds a unique and meaningful touch," reflecting Tyla's heritage in a subtle yet impactful way. The artist applied the flag design carefully to avoid excessive polish buildup or uneven appearance. Tyla has demonstrated a consistent pattern of bold footwear choices across major events, having worn aquamarine Valentino Garavani pumps with dramatic front cutouts at the 2026 Met Gala and cycling through multiple silhouettes at the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

World Cup Tournament Context

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19 and features 48 countries competing across 104 matches. Tyla contributed the track "Game Time" with Future to the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album, which also includes contributions from Daddy Yankee, Jelly Roll, Shakira, the Rolling Stones, and other artists. Her involvement marks a significant collaboration opportunity within the tournament's global music strategy.