2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremonies: Everything you need to know
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with three opening ceremonies: Mexico City (June 11), Toronto (June 12) and Los Angeles (June 12). Shakira and Burna Boy perform official song 'Dai Dai' on stage in Mexico City; Other popular artists will give special performances in each city. Broadcast of the matches will be available on Fox/FS1, Telemundo and streaming platforms.
The sports festival has started. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially kick off with three opening ceremonies in three different cities. The first ceremony will be held on June 11 in Mexico City — where it was announced that Shakira and Burna Boy will perform the tournament's official song "Dai Dai" together. The ceremony will take place before the Mexico vs South Africa match, 90 minutes before kick-off: the kick-off time of the match is tentatively 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT).
The Mexico City stage will feature local and international artists such as Shakira, Barna Boy, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Jay Balvin, Layla Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana and Tyla. According to FIFA's statement, Mexico's culture will be represented centrally through music, dance and art forms — with local ethnic talent also given priority.
Two additional ceremonies will be held on both days. A city ceremony is planned before the Canada vs Bosnia-Hergovina match on June 12 in Toronto; Artists such as Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Alyana, Jessie Reyes, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatihi, Sanjay, Vegedream and William Prince will be on stage. On the other hand, Katy Perry, Future, Anita, Lisa, Rema and Tyla are all set to perform before the USA vs Paraguay match in Los Angeles on the same day.
Viewers can watch the ceremonies via television on Fox and Fox's cable channel FS1; Spanish broadcast by Telemundo. Additionally, the video launch will be available for streaming through the Tubi, FOX One and Fox Sports apps.
Third, Shakira will be back on stage in the finals after the tournament is over: Shakira will reportedly be the main attraction at the official finals halftime show on July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. She will be joined by Madonna and BTS as the shared headliner; This massive show will be composed by Coldplay singer Chris Martin. The event will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund — a fund that aims to raise $100 million to expand quality education and football opportunities for children around the world. Popular characters like Sesame Street and The Mukpets will also be part of the show, the announcement said.
The opening ring ceremonies and opening ceremony are shaping up to attract audiences from around the world. Match day times and broadcast details may vary by local time; Fans need to keep checking for updates through their regional broadcast channels or streaming platforms.