The 2026 World Cup begins tonight across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Football returns to the global stage once more with a huge opening ceremony ahead of Mexico’s Group A clash against South Africa in Mexico City.
The ceremony will also celebrate the best of Latin American talent, with FIFA saying in a statement: “In Mexico, this concept is brought to life through the intricate and celebratory art of ‘papel picado’, a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy.”
Shakira
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Mexican band Mana will perform, alongside Alejandro Fernandez and Colombian J Balvin, as well as Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Tyla.
There will be two other ceremonies for the remaining host nations when Canada and the US play their first group matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Paraguay the following day.
Canada’s comes next on Friday, June 12, at BMO Field in Toronto.
Jessie Reyez and Palestinian singer Elyanna will perform, and Michael Buble headlines the evening’s pre-match entertainment.
Nora Fatehi, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, William Prince, DJ Sanjoy and Vegedream complete the line-up in a show that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hailed a “powerful reflection of Canada’s identity.”
Later that day, in Los Angeles, California, the US takes centre stage as Katy Perry, Future and Tyla all perform at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
K-pop band Blackpink, will be joined by Brazilian Anitta and Nigerian Rema.
“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,” Infantino said.
Here’s the latest on the opening ceremonies..
World Cup 2026 opening ceremony start time
The first opening ceremony is set to start at 6.30pm BST, which is 1.30pm local time in Mexico City.
The next is also at 6.30pm BST the following day – 1.30pm local time in Toronto – and the LA show begins at 3.30am BST – 7.30pm local time in California.
When is the opening match?
The tournament kicks off with the opening game, which will see co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at 8pm BST Friday, June 11 2026.
The Estadio Baniforte in Mexico City will host the opening ceremony and the first match.
