Analysis— 5 min read
The 2026 World Cup does not open with a single ceremony. It opens with three — one for each host nation, spread across Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles across June 11 and 12, in what FIFA is billing as an unprecedented celebration of football and culture.
Mexico goes first. The ceremony at the Estadio Azteca begins 90 minutes before the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, June 11. Shakira headlines, performing the official tournament song Dai Dai alongside Afrobeats star Burna Boy. South Africa's Tyla, Colombia's J Balvin and a wave of Mexican artists including Mana, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Lila Downs and Los Angeles Azules complete the bill. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has promised a "historic" evening, and authorities have declared June 11 a public holiday in Mexico City.
Canada's ceremony follows on June 12 in Toronto ahead of the Bosnia and Herzegovina match. The United States then stages their own event at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles later that same afternoon, before the US face Paraguay in the evening. The LA lineup features Katy Perry, LISA, Nigerian Afrobeats artist Rema, Brazilian pop star Anitta and Future.
All three ceremonies are produced by Italian creative director Marco Balich, who was also behind the 2022 World Cup ceremonies in Qatar. Each runs approximately 30 minutes and will include a parade of flags, the presentation of the match ball and live performances.
Shakira is also confirmed to co-headline the World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium on July 19, alongside Madonna and BTS.