World Cup 2026: Opening ceremonies – Performers, start times and how to watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin with a historic series of opening ceremonies staged across North America, marking the first time in the tournament’s history that three host nations will share the spotlight at the start of the competition.

The United States, Mexico and Canada will jointly launch the largest World Cup ever staged, with celebrations taking place in all three countries before their respective opening matches.

While the United States previously hosted the tournament in 1994 and Mexico welcomed the world in 1970 and 1986, Canada is preparing to host FIFA’s flagship event for the first time.

The expanded tournament will feature a record 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 host cities, running from June 11 to July 19, when the final will be played in New York.

A Shared Celebration Across Three Nations

The opening ceremonies have been designed around a common theme that highlights football’s power to unite people while allowing each host country to showcase its own culture, traditions and creative identity.

Each ceremony will begin 90 minutes before the host nation’s opening match and will be connected through a shared narrative celebrating the global nature of the World Cup.

The productions are being led by Marco Balich, the renowned creative director behind multiple Olympic ceremonies and major international sporting events.

Canada’s presentation will focus on the theme of a cultural mosaic, Mexico will celebrate its heritage through colourful papel picado, while the United States will deliver a modern spectacle centred around what Balich described as “a super shiny, glowing cup.”

“The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament. It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration.”

Mexico City Opening Ceremony

Mexico will officially launch the tournament at the historic Estadio Azteca, now known as Mexico City Stadium, ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

The ceremony is expected to celebrate Mexican culture through Indigenous performances, folkloric displays and the traditional art of papel picado.

A host of artists featured on the official World Cup album are expected to perform, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules and Maná.

South African star Tyla is also expected to feature in the show.

One of the standout moments of the evening will be the performance of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem, Dai Dai, by Shakira and Burna Boy.

Mexico Opening Day Schedule

• Stadium gates open: 15:00 GMT
• Opening ceremony begins: 17:30 GMT
• Team warm-ups: 18:10 GMT
• Mexico vs South Africa kick-off: 19:00 GMT

Toronto Opening Ceremony

Canada’s celebration will take place at Toronto Stadium before the country’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Built around the concept of a cultural mosaic, the event will take fans on a symbolic journey across Canada, highlighting the country’s diversity and unique identity.

The performer lineup includes Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince.

The occasion carries added significance as it will be the first FIFA World Cup match played by the Canadian men’s national team on home soil.

Canada Opening Day Schedule

• Opening ceremony begins: 17:30 GMT
• Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina kick-off: 19:00 GMT

Los Angeles Opening Ceremony

The United States will stage its opening celebration in Los Angeles before facing Paraguay in its first match of the tournament.

The ceremony will combine large-scale visuals, immersive storytelling and performances from an internationally recognised cast of musicians.

Among the artists scheduled to perform are Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla.

FIFA says the lineup was selected to reflect the cultural diversity and global influences that shape modern American society.

United States Opening Day Schedule

• Opening ceremony begins: 23:30 GMT
• United States vs Paraguay kick-off: 01:00 GMT (June 13)

Opening Matches

The World Cup’s first three host nations will all begin their campaigns within the opening days of the tournament.

Mexico face South Africa in Mexico City, Canada take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, and the United States meet Paraguay in Los Angeles.

How to Watch the Opening Ceremonies

Fans around the world will be able to follow the celebrations through FIFA’s official broadcast partners.

In the United States, English-language coverage will be available on FOX and FS1, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo.

Free streaming will be available through Tubi, which will simulcast the opening ceremonies and opening matches.

International broadcasters include:

• Canada: CTV, TSN and RDS
• Mexico: Televisa and TV Azteca
• United Kingdom: BBC and ITV

With music, culture and football coming together across three countries, the 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies are set to deliver a unique start to the biggest tournament in the history of the game.