The 2026 FIFA World Cup will break new ground before a ball is kicked. For the first time in the tournament’s 96-year history, FIFA will stage opening ceremonies in three different host countries, with separate events in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Mexico will host the first ceremony on Thursday night at the historic Estadio Azteca. The event will begin 90 minutes before the opening match between Mexico national football team and South Africa national football team.
FIFA plans to showcase Mexican culture through performances from indigenous and contemporary artists. Organisers have also lined up a star-studded music programme featuring Shakira and Burna Boy, who will perform the tournament’s official song, “Dai Dai (Let’s Move Forward)”. Mexican acts including Maná, Alejandro Fernández and Belinda will also feature.
Canada’s opening match follows on 12 June in Toronto, where the hosts will face Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team. The ceremony will celebrate Canada’s multicultural identity and include performances from Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara and Bangladeshi-American DJ DJ Sanjoy. Bollywood performer Nora Fatehi will also take part.
The United States will stage its opening event on 13 June in Los Angeles before the hosts take on Paraguay national football team. American pop star Katy Perry will headline the show. Organisers have also confirmed performances from Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema and Tyla.
With three hosts, 16 cities and an expanded tournament format, FIFA has also expanded the opening celebrations. The result will be three separate curtain-raisers across North America before the world’s biggest football tournament gets fully underway.
