World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: Dates, performers, start times and everything you need to know
· GhanaSoccernetThe 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history long before the first ball is kicked.
For the first time in the tournament's 96-year history, there will be three official opening ceremonies, with each host nation, Mexico, Canada and the United States, staging its own celebration before playing its opening match.
Here's everything you need to know about the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies, including dates, venues, performers and why FIFA has introduced the new format.
Why are there three World Cup opening ceremonies?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams and is being co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
To mark the historic occasion, FIFA has decided each host nation will stage its own opening ceremony before its first match of the tournament.
It is only the second time the men's World Cup has been hosted by more than one country, following the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
When are the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies?
Mexico opening ceremony
- Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Venue: Azteca Stadium, Mexico City
- Before: Mexico vs South Africa
Canada opening ceremony
- Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
- Venue: BMO Field, Toronto
- Before: Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
United States opening ceremony
- Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, California
- Before: United States vs Paraguay
All three ceremonies are expected to begin approximately 90 minutes before kick-off.
Who is performing at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies?
Mexico opening ceremony performers
- Shakira
- Burna Boy
- J Balvin
- Belinda
- Ryan Castro
- Lila Downs
- Alejandro Fernández
- Los Ãngeles Azules
- Maná
- Danny Ocean
- Tyla
Canada opening ceremony performers
- Michael Bublé
- Alanis Morissette
- Alessia Cara
- Elyanna
- Nora Fatehi
- William Prince
- Jessie Reyez
- Sanjoy
- Vegedream
United States opening ceremony performers
- Katy Perry
- LISA
- Future
- Rema
- Anitta
- Tyla
South African singer Tyla will perform at both the Mexico and United States ceremonies and will also sing South Africa's national anthem before the tournament's opening match.
Why is the 2026 World Cup different?
The 2026 tournament is the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, expanding from 32 to 48 teams.
It is also the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries, with matches taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Mexico will become the first nation to host the men's FIFA World Cup three times, having previously staged the tournament in 1970 and 1986.
How many opening ceremonies are there at the 2026 World Cup?
There will be three official opening ceremonies, one in each host country before its opening match.
Where is the first World Cup opening ceremony?
The first ceremony will be held at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City before Mexico face South Africa.
Who is performing at the World Cup opening ceremony?
Performers include Shakira, Burna Boy, Katy Perry, Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, J Balvin, Rema, LISA, Tyla and several other international stars.
When does the 2026 FIFA World Cup start?
The tournament begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with Mexico taking on South Africa in Mexico City.