The 2026 World Cup is set to make history with three separate opening ceremonies, reflecting the unprecedented multi-country hosting arrangement involving the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Italian producer Marco Balich, known for his work on the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, is orchestrating the elaborate productions.
Canada's opening ceremony will take place in Toronto at BMO Field on Friday 12 June at 6:30pm BST, ahead of their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Headlined by Canadian icon Michael Bublé, the event will also feature performances by Alessia Cara, Alanis Morissette, Palestinian singer Elyanna, French artist Vegedream, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, and William Prince.
The United States will host the third and final opening ceremony in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium on Saturday 13 June at 12:30am BST, before their clash with Paraguay. Headliner Katy Perry will be joined by rapper Future, Tyla, Lisa from Blackpink, Rema, and Anitta. The BBC will broadcast both the Canadian and US ceremonies and matches.
Mexico kicked off the tournament with its opening ceremony on Thursday 11 June at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, ahead of the Group A match between Mexico and South Africa. Shakira and Burna Boy headlined, performing the official tournament song 'Dai Dai', with additional performances by Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
