Maná Delivers Rock Version of José Alfredo Jiménez’s ‘El Rey’ for Mexico-England Match’s Halftime Show
Written by Nitro Pulse Radio on July 6, 2026
Maná brought the most iconic song by ranchera legend José Alfredo Jiménez to the halftime show during Mexico’s match against England on Sunday (July 5) at Estadio Ciudad de México. Performing a rock version of “El Rey,” the legendary Mexican band energized the crowd during the thrilling match, which England won 3-2 to eliminate Mexico from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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The brief performance was introduced by Mexican actor Jaime Camil and boxing champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez before more than 80,000 fans — the vast majority supporting Mexico — who cheered on El Tri until the final whistle as the team faced England for the first time in six decades.
“Mexico, you’re great. Let’s never forget it, and I’m here so everyone knows how badass we are,” Álvarez said as he introduced Maná to the crowd inside the famed stadium, where fans were already reeling after England took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
The performance by singer Fher Olvera, guitarist Sergio Vallín, bassist Juan Calleros and drummer Álex González marked the final World Cup event at Estadio Ciudad de México. It also capped the band’s historic run at the world’s biggest sporting event after appearing in the opening ceremony on June 11 at the same venue alongside international stars including Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin and Lila Downs before an estimated global audience of 1.1 billion viewers.
“Long live Mexico!” Olvera shouted as he rallied the home crowd before leaving the stage.
Mexico’s World Cup run came to an end after England advanced with goals from Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Jarrell Quansah. Mexico’s goals came from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.
In recent weeks, Maná also headlined a free concert at the Glorieta de la Minerva in its hometown of Guadalajara on June 17, drawing approximately 170,000 people, according to the Jalisco state government. The concert was part of the city’s World Cup Fan Fest programming, as Guadalajara served as one of the tournament’s host cities.
With more than 50 million albums sold, four Grammys, nine Latin Grammys and a career that has taken its music to more than 30 countries, Maná remains one of the most influential Spanish-language rock bands of all time. Earlier this year, Billboard ranked the group No. 9 on its list of the 50 Greatest Spanish-Language Rock Bands of All Time.
The band is celebrating four decades together with an expanded Vivir Sin Aire Tour, which includes stadium dates in Bogotá, Lima, Santiago and Buenos Aires before wrapping with two shows on Dec. 16 and 17 at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City.
