--- ---  # Everything to Know About the Three World Cup Opening Ceremonies by [TIME Staff](https://time.com/author/time-staff/) ## TIME Staff Updated: Jun 11, 2026 12:07 PM UTCPublished: May 29, 2026 7:33 PM UTC  A view of the opening ceremony ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Lusail, Qatar, on Nov. 22, 2022. A view of the opening ceremony ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Lusail, Qatar, on Nov. 22, 2022.Salih Zeki Fazlioglu—Getty Images by [TIME Staff](https://time.com/author/time-staff/) ## TIME Staff Updated: Jun 11, 2026 12:07 PM UTCPublished: May 29, 2026 7:33 PM UTC The [2026 FIFA World Cup ](https://time.com/article/2026/05/27/fifa-world-cup-2026-complete-guide/)will feature three opening ceremonies, with each host nation delivering a personalized, star-studded line-up of performers. With Canada, Mexico, and the United States co-hosting the tournament from June 11 to July 19, the countries are set to champion their homegrown talent as they kick off the sporting event in style. “These ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football \[soccer\] in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration.” According to FIFA, the ceremonies will be tied together by “a shared creative thread” that reimagines the World Cup trophy through the cultural lens of each host nation. Watched by millions of soccer fans across the globe, the contest will see 48 countries compete across 104 games over a five-and-a-half week period. Although excitement over the World Cup is mounting, there have already been some controversies, as the tournament is taking place against the politically-charged [backdrop](https://time.com/article/2026/04/30/iran-world-cup-fifa/) of the Iran war. In the U.S., concerns over visa and travel restrictions have been at the forefront of some fans’ minds. Omar Artan–a Somali referee–was denied entry into the United States after immigration authorities cited “vetting concerns” and rendered him “inadmissible.” Infantino [referred](https://youtu.be/dBeSOSevRnA?t=1596) to the incident as “unfortunate” in a press conference the day before the start of the tournament, but emphasized “we don’t control everything.” There has also been widespread criticism over the steep [ticket prices](https://time.com/article/2026/05/24/why-2026-world-cup-ticket-prices-are-so-high/), with more desirable seats costing tens of thousands of dollars. The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have [issued subpoenas](https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-and-attorney-general-davenport-subpoena-fifa-over-world) to FIFA over the sports governing body's ticketing practices. Infantino defended the ticket prices again, saying “if we do something wrong, then probably everyone selling tickets in North America is doing something wrong.” The FIFA chief [insisted](https://youtu.be/dBeSOSevRnA?t=3194) “every dollar that comes in goes back into the development of football” and this revenue ensures the tournament continues in its current form. Despite the various stumbling blocks, the prospect of three action-packed opening ceremonies has been largely well received by fans. The opening match of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar registered a global reach of over 550 million, according to [FIFA](https://inside.fifa.com/tournament-organisation/world-cup-2022-in-numbers/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-commercial), so the pressure for the host countries to put their best foot forward is high. From who is set to perform to how you can watch the entertainment-filled soccer spectacular from home, here's what you need to know about the opening ceremonies. ### Mexico The 2026 World Cup will begin in [Mexico City,](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/opening-ceremony-mexico) with the tournament’s first opening ceremony and match against South Africa slated to unfold at Mexico City Stadium on June 11 at 1:30 p.m. E.T. The ceremony is set to celebrate and showcase the best of Latin American talent. “In Mexico, this concept is brought to life through the intricate and celebratory art of ‘papel picado’ \[traditional Mexican craft made from cutting designs into sheets of tissue paper\], a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy,” FIFA said, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum [promising](https://www.gob.mx/presidencia/prensa/todo-va-a-salir-maravilloso-la-inauguracion-del-mundial-sera-historica-presidenta-tras-reunion-con-presidente-de-la-fifa-gianni-infantino) a “historic” and “exceptional” event. Sheinbaum [closed](https://www.gob.mx/presidencia/prensa/presidenta-anuncia-decreto-para-implementar-trabajo-a-distancia-en-oficinas-y-suspension-de-clases-en-cdmx-en-inauguracion-del-mundial-2026) the capital’s schools and urged employers to work remotely on the day of the opening match “so that the inauguration can take place without traffic or problems on World Cup day.” Shakira and Burna Boy are set to [headline](https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/media-releases/shakira-burna-dai-dai-world-cup-opening-ceremony-mexico-city) the spectacle, performing the official FIFA tournament song, “Dai Dai.” “It has been a non-stop rehearsal week for us, we are ready!” Shakira [said](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZabhYnFgS1/) ahead of the ceremony. Mexican pop rock group Maná has referred to it as the “event of the century” for Mexicans. “Music has the power to bring us all together, no matter where we’re from, and we’re proud to be a part of that celebration,” the band [said](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYGI-3mEYn%5F/?hl=en&img%5Findex=1) as they announced their place on the line-up. Alejandro Fernández [offered](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYGJsGcFNhi/?hl=en&img%5Findex=1) a similar sentiment, calling it a “great honor” to be performing at the opening ceremony and representing “Mexican music to the world.” Colombian musician [J Balvin](https://time.com/5891787/j-balvin-time-100-broadcast/)—who sings on Coca Cola’s 2026 World Cup anthem "JUMP"—will also be showcasing his talents. Additional artists on the line-up include Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and South African singer [Tyla](https://time.com/6321439/tylas-water-dance-challenge-tiktok/). Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean-American singer EJAE will also perform. Mexico [previously](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/mexico-fifa-world-cup-hosts) hosted the World Cup in 1970 and in 1986. The [1970](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVDuFsUk6CU) opening ceremony of the games showed the various teams marching into the soccer stadium to the sound of drums. In [1986](https://youtu.be/x%5FoP606XYAs?t=268), an additional march took place with traditional costumes and flags from the states of Mexico. ### Canada Canada will [host](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/opening-ceremony-canada) the second opening ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 1:30 p.m. E.T, with Toronto Stadium welcoming a wide range of homegrown performers as well as international talent. For Canada’s ceremony, the World Cup trophy will be reimagined “as a mosaic, symbolising the people, cultures and communities that define the country,” according to FIFA. Canadian singer Michael Bublé [said](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYIEEdiFJao/?hl=en&img%5Findex=1) he was “honored” to be kicking off the tournament and “can’t wait to celebrate with fans from around the world.” Toronto-born Jessie Reyez and Palestinian singer Elyanna—who have joined forces for the song “[Illuminate](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im0FLUw7wtY),” which features on the FIFA World Cup 2026 album—will be in attendance. Nora Fatehi, who [performed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI-0BTCODu4) at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is also set to sing in the star-studded line-up. Other Canadian artists on the docket include Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, and William Prince. They will be joined by Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy and French singer-songwriter Vegedream. Infantino [has teased](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYGLlIPCCc5/?img%5Findex=1) the Toronto ceremony as a “powerful reflection of Canada’s identity.” As Canada prepares to be FIFA World Cup hosts for the [first time](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/canada-team-profile-history), Prime Minister Mark Carney has [emphasized that](https://x.com/MarkJCarney/status/2058607161140256819) the country “is ready to welcome the world.” ### United States The United States will [host](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/opening-ceremony-usa) its opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12 at 7:30 p.m. E.T. California-born Katy Perry will take to the stage, with other iconic performances set to come from Future and Tyla. LISA, who got her start in the global renowned K-pop group [Blackpink](https://time.com/5562946/blackpink-k-pop-everything-to-know/), will join Brazilian pop star [Anitta](https://time.com/5890111/anitta-interview-me-gusta-brazil/) and Nigerian superstar [Rema](https://time.com/collections/time100-next-2025/7318807/rema/) at the event, with fans hoping the trio will perform their new World Cup song “[Goals](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=safzyuZNCGI).” “The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country,” [said](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYGRCqgCCW5/?img%5Findex=1) Infantino. Country music duo Dan + Shay are [set](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/additional-talent-unveiled-for-ceremonies-in-los-angeles) to “perform the national anthem for the hosts,” while Paraguayan duo Purahei Soul will deliver the national anthem of Paraguay—who the U.S. is facing in the opening match. Actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, who plays the role of American football coach [Ted Lasso](https://time.com/6283792/ted-lasso-series-finale-ending-discussion/) in the award-winning series, will take the field as FIFA World Cup 2026 ambassador. The U.S. previously hosted the World Cup in 1994 and has been waiting years for the opportunity to do it again. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has [called](https://x.com/MayorOfLA/status/2059424174372995377) for “every Angeleno \[to\] be part of this historic moment.” As such, the “Kick It In the Park” initiative is set to organize free watch parties, youth soccer clinics, and community celebrations across the city. Streamer Tubi, owned by Fox Corporation, is also set to simulcast the World Cup opening ceremonies live in 4K. 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