World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: Date, location, performers and how to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin with opening ceremonies across the United States, Canada and Mexico ahead of the biggest tournament in football history
For the first time in history, the World Cup will be hosted by three nations – United States, Mexico and Canada – with 48 teams competing across 16 cities in a competition that will feature a record 104 matches.
FIFA has confirmed that instead of one single opening ceremony, each host nation will stage its own showcase event, creating a trilogy of ceremonies designed to highlight the culture and identity of all three countries.
From global music stars to historic stadiums, here is a look at everything we know about the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies.
When is the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?
The first official opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, before the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City.
FIFA has confirmed that the ceremony will begin before kick-off and will serve as the global launch event for the tournament. The world football governing body has also confirmed that opening ceremonies will then take place on June 12 in Canada and the United States as both nations begin hosting matches.
Where will the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies take place?
The main tournament opening ceremony will be held at Mexico City Stadium, normally known as Estadio Azteca. The stadium will become the first venue in football history to host three different FIFA World Cup opening matches after previously doing so in 1970 and 1986.
Canada’s opening celebration will take place at BMO Field ahead of Canada’s first match of the tournament.
“The opening ceremony in Toronto will be a powerful reflection of Canada’s identity and the energy surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“Through music, culture and unforgettable performances, we will welcome the world with a celebration that is uniquely Canadian while also connected to a larger story unfolding across Mexico and the United States.
“It will be a moment of pride, unity and anticipation as Canada takes its place on football’s biggest stage.”
Meanwhile, the United States will stage its ceremony in Los Angeles, with FIFA planning a large-scale event reflecting the country’s role as the primary host nation.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” Infantino added. “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.”
Who will be performing at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies?
The opening ceremony in Mexico City is set to showcase a strong blend of Latin American and Mexican musical talent including Mana, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Los Angeles Azules, Lila Downs, Danny Ocean, J Balvin and Tyla.
In the United States, confirmed performers include Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla, while Alanis Morissette, Michael Buble, Alessia Cara and Nora Fatehi are among the performers announced so far for the opening ceremony in Canada.
