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For the first time in World Cup history, there won’t be just one opening ceremony. There will be three.
FIFA confirmed on Friday that Mexico, the United States, and Canada will each host their own star-studded celebration ahead of their respective opening matches at the 2026 tournament.
“It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
The festivities kick off on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium, the venue formerly known as the Azteca.
Ninety minutes before Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament’s first match, Colombian superstar J Balvin will take the stage alongside Mexican rock band Mana, pop icon Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Lila Downs, and the traditional cumbia group Los Angeles Azules. South African singer Tyla will also perform.
“The world will share this moment and that’s how this tournament will begin,” Infantino said.
On June 12, Canada will host Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Before kickoff, Alanis Morissette, Michael Buble, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, and Nora Fatehi will perform.
Organisers promise a “journey across Canada, as the countdown unfolds through moments that reflect the country from coast to coast.”
Later that same day, the United States will open against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Katy Perry, who headlined the 2015 Super Bowl halftime show, will lead a lineup that includes rapper Future, Blackpink’s Lisa, Brazilian superstar Anitta, Rema, and Tyla.
More artists are still to be announced.
“The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas,” Infantino said.
He added that the ceremonies “bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament.”
Venezuelan reggaeton star Danny Ocean and Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy will also appear. Organisers said fans have an “active role to play” and encouraged them to arrive early.
“Across time zones and borders, the celebrations are united by one central idea: a shared heartbeat,” FIFA said.
