The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially shaping up to be a tournament of historic firsts. For the first time in the competition's history, the World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies across the three host nations: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Furthermore, FIFA is embracing a distinctly American sports tradition by introducing the first-ever halftime show during the World Cup final, promising an unprecedented entertainment experience for billions of fans worldwide.
Here is your ultimate guide to the 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies, including dates, kickoff times, and the star-studded lineups.
Mexico Opening Ceremony: The Global Kickoff
The tournament's primary opening celebration will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, right before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
- Start Time: 1:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. GMT) — 90 minutes before kickoff.
- Headliners: Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy will perform "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Confirmed Performers: Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
United States Opening Ceremony
The United States will host its own grand celebration on Friday, June 12, at SoFi Stadium ahead of the USMNT's clash with Paraguay. Stadium gates will open four hours early, offering fans exclusive pregame entertainment.
- Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (11:30 p.m. GMT) — 90 minutes before kickoff.
- Confirmed Performers: Global pop icon Katy Perry, rapper Future, Brazilian star Anitta, K-pop sensation LISA, and Afrobeats artist Rema.
Canada Opening Ceremony
Also on Friday, June 12, Canada will stage its opening festivities at BMO Field Stadium before the co-hosts take on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Start Time: 1:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. GMT).
- Confirmed Performers: Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Palestinian-Chilean star Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince.
How to Watch
All three opening ceremonies will be broadcast globally. In the United States, English-language coverage will be available on FOX and FS1, with Spanish-language broadcasts on Telemundo and Universo. For fans in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), beIN Sports will provide exclusive live coverage of the events.
