World Cup opening ceremony: Who’s performing, when it starts, how to watch

Published 9 June 2026 · sports

The 2026 World Cup begins with historic ceremonies across the US, Canada and Mexico, launching a record tournament. The 2026 World Cup will launch with

The 2026 World Cup begins with historic ceremonies across the US, Canada and Mexico, launching a record tournament. The 2026 World Cup will launch with a series of historic opening ceremonies across North America, marking the first time the tournament has been launched simultaneously in three host countries. The United States, Mexico and Canada will officially launch the biggest World Cup in history. While the US hosted the tournament in 1994 and Mexico in 1970 and 1986, Canada will host the competition for the first time. Together, the three countries will open the tournament. This World Cup will feature a record 104 matches spread across 16 host cities. The global event will run from the opening match in Mexico on Thursday, June 11, to the final on Sunday, July 19, in New York. Here is what we know What are the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies? The three interconnected ceremonies staged across Mexico, Canada and the US are built around a shared theme designed to unite the three host nations while showcasing each country’s culture, identity and creative talent. Each event will begin 90 minutes before the host nation’s opening match. The ceremonies are being produced by Marco Balich, the creative director behind several Olympic opening ceremonies, including the 2026 Winter Games edition and major international sporting events. While each show will have its own distinct character, all three will be linked by a shared theme centred on football’s ability to unite people across borders. Each host country will bring its own visual style to the ceremonies. Canada will be represented through a cultural mosaic, Mexico through papel picado, and the US through what Balich called “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.” According to The Athletic, the ceremony in Mexico City is expected to run for about 16 minutes and 30 seconds, while the shows in Toronto and Los Angeles are scheduled to last approximately 13 minutes each.

Once the performances conclude, the pitch will be handed over to the teams for their pre-match warm-ups. Matchday protocol ceremonies, including the player walkouts and official introductions, will then begin 25 minutes before kickoff and are expected to last about 13 minutes. Who is playing in the opening games? Mexico will face South Africa in the first match of the tournament, which will take place following the opening ceremony in Mexico City. Canada will play against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, marking a historic milestone as it will be the Canadian Men’s Team’s first World Cup match played on home soil. The US will take on Paraguay in their opening match following the celebration in Los Angeles. When and where are the World Cup opening ceremonies? Mexico City (June 11) Mexico will launch the tournament at Mexico City Stadium (formerly known as the Estadio Azteca) 90 minutes before its opening match against South Africa, in a repeat of the 2010 opener. The ceremony is expected to celebrate Mexican culture through Indigenous performers, contemporary folkloric acts and the traditional art of papel picado. Artists featured on the Official FIFA World Cup Album are expected to perform, including Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, and Mana. The show will also include South African singer-songwriter Tyla. Shakira is also expected to perform her Dai Dai – an Italian phrase meaning “let’s go” or “come on” – along with Burna Boy. Shakira is also set to co-headline the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19, alongside Madonna and K-pop band BTS. Authorities have declared June 11 a public holiday in Mexico City, with schools closed and employers encouraged to allow remote work. Access to the stadium area will be restricted to ticket holders, accredited media and authorised personnel. Opening day schedule in Mexico 9:00 (15:00 GMT): Stadium gates open 11:00 (17:00 GMT): Opening ceremony begins 12:10 (18:10 GMT): Team warm-ups 13:00 (19:00 GMT): Mexico vs South Africa kickoff Toronto (June 12) Canada’s ceremony will take place at Toronto Stadium before the country’s World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The opening ceremony in Toronto will kick off at 1:30pm local time (17:30 GMT).