The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, and excitement is building with the announcement of three spectacular opening ceremonies set to take place across the host nations: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Stellar performers such as Shakira, Michael Bublé, and Katy Perry will each lead the festivities in their respective cities, creating a vibrant celebration to welcome fans from around the globe.
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The excitement starts on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, where Shakira will join forces with Burna Boy to inaugurate the tournament. They will perform “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the World Cup, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable event. The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, and a host of other renowned artists will grace the stage, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, and J Balvin. This show will lead directly into Mexico’s highly anticipated opening match against South Africa.
Toronto will follow with its own unique celebration on June 12. The opening ceremony in Canada will also commence at 1:30 p.m. ET, showcasing local star Michael Bublé as the main headliner. He will be joined by fellow Canadian singers Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette, ensuring that the event reflects Canada’s musical talent. The lineup will feature a diverse range of performances, including Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna and French singer Vegedream, who will present his much-loved anthem “Ramenez la coupe à la maison,” a favourite from France’s triumphant 2018 campaign.
Los Angeles will then take the stage later on June 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET for the final opening ceremony of the tournament. Pop icon Katy Perry will headline this star-studded event, promising a thrilling performance alongside other big names such as Future, Anitta, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rema, and Tyla. The ceremony will also incorporate patriotic elements, with country duo Dan + Shay singing the U.S. national anthem and Paraguayan folk-pop group Purahei Soul performing Paraguay’s anthem as the U.S. prepares to face Paraguay in the tournament’s opening match.
The impressive musical line-up does not stop there. Beyond these headline acts, the ceremonies will feature global music icons, ensuring representation from various musical styles and cultures. Fans can anticipate spectacular performances from Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, and William Prince, among others.
In all three cities, the opening ceremonies serve as more than a mere prelude to the matches; they represent a celebration of unity and cultural diversity, forging connections between nations through the love of sport and music. Each ceremony is poised to set the stage for the excitement that lies ahead throughout the World Cup tournament.
For those eager to catch the action, the opening ceremonies will be broadcasted live across various platforms. In the United States, FOX and FS1 will provide English-language coverage, while Spanish-speaking audiences can tune in through Telemundo and Universo. Additionally, viewers will have the option to stream the events on FOX One and Fubo, with Spanish-language streaming available on Peacock.
As the opening ceremonies approach, football fans around the globe look forward to a memorable kick-off to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where celebration and competition will intertwine, promising an unforgettable atmosphere on the world’s biggest stage.