2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off with Star-Studded Opening Ceremonies

The 2026 FIFA World Cup season commenced with a trio of opening ceremonies held across North America on June 11 and 12.

The first ceremony took place in Mexico on June 11 at Estadio Banorte. It featured indigenous Mexican dance and performances by homegrown artists such as rock band Maná, singer-songwriter Belinda, Grammy winner Lila Downs, and cumbia band Los Ángeles Azules. Mexican actress Salma Hayek and music icon Alejandro Fernández, who delivered a rendition of "Himno Nacional Mexicano," also made appearances. Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean performed "Partidazo," while Colombian stars J Balvin and Ryan Castro played a medley of hits. The ceremony concluded with Shakira and Burna Boy's collaboration "Dai Dai." Other performances included Andrea Bocelli and EJAE duetting on "DNA (More Than a Game)," the tournament's official anthem, and South African pop star Tyla performing her home country's national anthem.

On June 12, Canada hosted its opening ceremony at Toronto's BMO Field. Canadian artists like Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, and William Prince, who delivered a land acknowledgement, were featured. Alessia Cara performed a medley of her hits "Wild Things" and "Here," accompanied by dancers representing Canadian wildlife. Global stars such as Palestinian singer Elyanna, Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy, and French singer Vegedream also participated. Actor Will Arnett made an appearance. Alanis Morissette performed "O Canada," and Serbian-Canadian violinist Aleksandar Gajić played the national anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Michael Bublé and the Sole Power Choir closed the ceremony with a cover of Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me," followed by a flyover by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Later that day, the U.S. held its opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The event included a costumed presentation of George Washington and a speech acknowledging the Semiquincentennial. Atlanta rapper Future and Tyla performed their collaboration "Game Time." BLACKPINK member LISA, Brazilian star Anitta, and Afrobeats sensation Rema performed their joint single "Goals." Actor Jason Sudeikis also made an appearance. Katy Perry teamed with Norwegian singer Tius Luka for "Wonder," followed by country duo Dan + Shay's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Paraguayan soul duo Purahei Soul performed their country's national anthem, and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Can't Hold Us" was played during a transition.

According to Billboard, these ceremonies marked the official start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.