When is the World Cup opening ceremony 2026? Time, dates, performers and more to know
FIFA says the three host nations will stage pre-match shows with performers including Katy Perry, Maná and Blackpink before their first group games.
- The 2026 World Cup kicks off this week with three distinct opening ceremonies across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, orchestrated by Italian producer Marco Balich to set the tone for the tournament's unprecedented multi-nation setup.
- Mexico will commence World Cup proceedings on Thursday, June 11, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of the Group A clash against South Africa, a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg.
- Shakira and Burna Boy headline the spectacle, performing the official tournament song "Dai Dai," while additional performers include Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Mañá, and Tyla.
- Canada follows on Friday, June 12, at BMO Field in Toronto, where FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailed the diverse lineup led by Michael Buble as a "powerful reflection of Canada's identity."
- The United States hosts the final ceremony on Saturday, June 13, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, where Katy Perry, Future, Thai-born star Lisa, Brazilian singer Anitta, and Nigerian artist Rema will perform before the U.S. clash with Paraguay.
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31 Articles
This World Cup will not count one, but three different opening ceremonies. Each of them will take place before the first match of the three host nations: Mexico, Canada and the United States....
This Thursday the Cup opens with a previous party in the Azteca of Mexico.Friday will be the turn of Canada and the United States, before their matches.Shakira, Andra Bocellli, Alejandro Fernández and Michael Bublé, among others.
When is FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony and kick off? Check timing details and performing artists
The biggest football extravaganza, the FIFA World Cup, is right at the door as four dozen of teams flock to the USA, Mexico and Canada to fight for the ultimate glory. The tournament has been expanded to 48 nations for the first-ever time with an unprecedented 104 matches lined up across 16 cities. Argentina are the defending champions of the sporting extravaganza, having won their third World Cup and first for the legendary Lionel Messi. They …
For the first time in its history, the world will open with three distinct ceremonies in Mexico, Canada and the United States, a three-time-exceptional casting, to launch a 48-team competition.
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