FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: performers, schedule and all you need to know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially begin with opening ceremonies staged across Mexico, Canada and the United States, marking the first time the tournament has launched simultaneously in three host countries.

The ceremonies will take place ahead of the opening matches in Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles and will celebrate the cultures and identities of all three host nations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it.”

“Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament.”

Mexico’s ceremony on June 11 will feature performances from artists including Shakira, J Balvin, Mana, Tyla and Los Angeles Azules before Mexico face South Africa.

Canada’s event in Toronto on June 12 will include Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Michael Buble and Jessie Reyez before Canada take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the country’s first men’s World Cup match on home soil.

Later that day, Los Angeles will host the US ceremony featuring Katy Perry, Future, LISA, Anitta and Rema ahead of the United States’ opening game against Paraguay.

Fans can watch coverage through FIFA broadcast partners including FOX, Telemundo, BBC, ITV, TSN and CTV.