The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began on Thursday, 11 June, with the first of three planned opening ceremonies held at Mexico City Stadium. The tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities, commenced on 11 June in Mexico City and culminating in the final on 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium. For the first time in the competition’s history, the opening celebrations span three countries — Mexico, the United States, and Canada — across two days. The ceremonies in Toronto and Los Angeles are scheduled to take place later today, 12 June.
Mexico City: Tournament Opens
Mexico hosted the first opening ceremony at Mexico City Stadium. The show brought together prominent voices in global music, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
Shakira and Burna Boy performed Dai Dai, the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Song, in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This fund aims to raise USD 100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children worldwide with access to quality education and football opportunities.
Produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, each ceremony is connected by a shared creative thread that reimagines the FIFA World Cup Trophy through the lens of each host country’s culture. In Mexico, this concept was brought to life through the art of papel picado, a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it. Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament.”
Mexico then faced South Africa in the opening match at a stadium that became the first venue to host matches across three FIFA World Cups.
Toronto: Canada’s Ceremony Ahead
On Friday, 12 June, Canada will take centre stage as it hosts its opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, welcoming the world with a vibrant celebration inspired by its communities, rich diversity, and the unifying power of football. Global music stars including Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince will perform as part of the show.
In Canada, the FIFA World Cup Trophy will be reimagined as a mosaic, symbolising the people, cultures, and communities that define the country.
Infantino said ahead of the Toronto ceremony: “Through music, culture and unforgettable performances, we will welcome the world with a celebration that is uniquely Canadian while also connected to a larger story unfolding across Mexico and the United States.”
Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in its opening match, marking the first FIFA World Cup match played by the Canadian Men’s National Team on home soil.
Los Angeles: USA to Close the Trilogy
Later on Friday, 12 June, the United States will host its opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium. Global artists Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla will headline the celebrations.
Infantino said, “The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country.”
Jason Sudeikis will join the ceremony as a FIFA World Cup 2026 Ambassador to welcome fans to Los Angeles and celebrate the unifying power of football on the world’s biggest stage. The United States will then face Paraguay in their opening Group D match.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the quadrennial international men’s football championship, jointly hosted across sixteen cities — eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada — featuring 48 national teams. The final is scheduled for 19 July at New York-New Jersey Stadium.
