Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy is set to perform alongside global stars Katy Perry and BLACKPINK member Lisa at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US, as FIFA prepares multiple ceremonies across the three host nations of the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. FIFA has organised separate opening ceremonies in all three countries, alongside special celebrations in Houston and Philadelphia on July 4 marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Sanjoy will perform at the US opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles on June 12, ahead of the US match against Paraguay. Katy Perry and Lisa are expected to headline the event.
Confirming the news, Sanjoy said, “From dreaming of such moments in life to becoming part of that stage today, it feels unbelievable. As the child of an immigrant, reaching the world’s biggest stage from my home studio is truly something special.”
He added, “This is not just my personal achievement. It represents all those young people who have grown up between two different cultures and have believed that their voice can reach far and wide.”
Sanjoy has already built a global audience through his work across South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. The New York Times previously described him as one of the most recognisable South Asian electronic musicians in the world.
Canada will also stage performances on June 12 in Toronto ahead of its match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara are scheduled to perform there.
The tournament will officially begin on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico, where Mexico will face South Africa. The ceremony will feature performances by Mexican rock band Maná, singer Alejandro Fernández, Belinda and South African artist Tyla.
Other international performers confirmed across the opening ceremonies include J Balvin, Anitta, Danny Ocean, Elyanna and Vegedream.
FIFA plans to begin each opening ceremony 90 minutes before kick-off to encourage supporters to arrive early at the stadiums.
The ceremony in Mexico will run for 16 minutes and 30 seconds, while the events in the US and Canada will each last 13 minutes.
