World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Performers, Times, and Locations

The 2026 World Cup will feature a star-studded lineup not just on the pitch, but on stage, with three unique opening ceremonies spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Here is everything you need to know about the World Cup opening ceremony, including the full list of performers, times, and locations.

Where Are the Opening Ceremonies for the 2026 World Cup?

To celebrate the historic joint-hosting of the tournament, each nation will hold its own kickoff event, featuring massive global superstars taking the stage right before their respective first matches.

• Mexico: J Balvin and Tyla will kick off the first ceremony at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11 at 1:30 PM ET.

• Canada: Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will open the show at BMO Field in Toronto on June 12 at 1:30 PM ET.

• United States: Katy Perry and Future will headline the US performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12 at 7:30 PM ET.

Who’s Opening the Show in Mexico?

Colombian singer J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla will open up the entire tournament when they perform at the first opening ceremony in Mexico. However, they are not the only stars set to perform, with the likes of Belinda, Danny Ocean, Mana, Los Angeles Azules, Lila Downs, and Alejandro Fernández all set to feature.

The first 2026 World Cup group match will be between Mexico and South Korea in Group A on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City. Kick off is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET.

The opening ceremony will begin around 90 minutes before kickoff, meaning it will start at 1:30 PM ET. The display will focus on the music, but will use strong imagery to represent Mexico as a nation through the FIFA World Cup Trophy, focusing particularly on papel picado.

Buble & Morissette Headline Canadian Ceremony

Ahead of the first clash in Group B between Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 12, Bublé and Morisette will perform at BMO Field in Toronto. The game will kick off at 3:00 PM ET.

Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, William Prince, Sanjoy Vegedream, and Nora Fatehi will also perform in Toronto for the opening ceremony that gets going at 1:30 PM ET. Fans attending the game can play an active role in the performance.

The aim of the ceremony is to showcase Canada’s diverse culture and community through a mosaic-inspired and vibrant image of the FIFA World Cup trophy. It will uniquely represent Canada’s image while still being connected to Mexico and the US.

Pop Star Perry & Rapper Future Close Out the Opening Ceremonies

The last of the three opening ceremonies will finish in the US on June 12. Perry and Future will perform at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, before the US men’s national team takes on Paraguay in the opening match of Group D. The kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET.

Starting at 7:30 PM ET, the final opening ceremony features other top artists, including Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla. FIFA has stated that it will be a high-energy spectacle that intends to unite the continent, bring together soccer, culture, and entertainment, and represent diversity.

Those who are attending the USA’s opening match are encouraged to arrive early for the opening ceremony, which begins at 4:30 PM local time, since they can play an active role in the celebrations.

Why Are There Three Opening Ceremonies at the World Cup 2026?

FIFA is hoping to bring together the continent by featuring three opening ceremonies for the first time in World Cup history. Each show will demonstrate a central idea that aims to focus on a shared heartbeat.

All three performances will offer a unique display based on the respective country’s culture and spirit. However, they also intend to build towards a shared goal and movement that helps bring all three nations and the rest of the world, together in global unity.