The FIFA World Cup 2026 is about to get underway, and for the first time in history, the tournament will feature three separate opening ceremonies. Here is everything you need to know.
Why are there three World Cup opening ceremonies?
This year marks the first time a FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by three separate nations. To honour the unique cultural identity of each host country, FIFA made the unprecedented decision to organise a trilogy of individual opening ceremonies.
When is the Mexico ceremony?
The first official ceremony will take place today, Thursday, June 11, at 1:30pm ET (6:30pm UK time) in the historic Mexico City Stadium, also known as Estadio Azteca. This specific event is scheduled precisely 90 minutes before the opening match of the entire tournament between Mexico and South Africa.
Who is performing at the opening ceremony in Mexico City?
Pop icon Shakira and Afrobeats star Burna Boy are expected to headline this initial ceremony to debut the official tournament song 'Dai Dai', while Andrea Bocelli is set to perform official World Cup anthem 'DNA' with EJAE, David Guetta and Megan Thee Stallion. The line-up also features a massive love letter to Latin music with performances by J Balvin, Mana, Alejandro Fernandez and Los Angeles Azules.
When does Canada get its World Cup opening ceremony?
History will continue to be made on Friday, June 12, when the second opening ceremony is staged at Toronto Stadium, also known as BMO Field, at 1:30pm ET. This momentous celebration comes as Canada prepares to host a men's World Cup match for the very first time.
Who will be performing at the Canadian opening ceremony?
Iconic Canadian artists Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette are scheduled to headline the festive pre-match line-up in Toronto, Ontario. They will perform alongside international artists such as Elyanna and Nora Fatehi before Canada begin their group stage campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
When and where is the United States' World Cup opening ceremony?
The United States will round out the trilogy with its own star-studded celebration on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 7:30pm ET (12:30am UK time in the early hours of Saturday morning). This final ceremony will be hosted at Los Angeles Stadium in California, also known as SoFi Stadium.
Who will perform at the United States opening ceremony?
Global pop sensation Katy Perry is set to headline the entertainment line-up for the American celebration alongside K-pop star LISA and hip-hop artist Future. Their performances are timed to lead directly into the highly anticipated United States opening match against Paraguay, which kicks off at 9pm ET on Friday or 2am on Saturday morning in the UK.
What are the dates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19. This historic tournament is the largest expansion in World Cup history, featuring 48 national teams playing a total of 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
