2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Shakira at 1st of 3 opening ceremonies

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest in its history with 48 competing national teams, kicks off in North America on Thursday and Friday. This marks the first time the tournament is hosted by three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada, spread across 11 cities.

To celebrate the expanded format and multi-country hosting, three distinct opening ceremonies will take place. The first ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City before the Group A match between Mexico and South Africa. International stars Shakira and Burna Boy are set to perform "Dai Dai," the official song of the tournament. The event will also feature other artists from the FIFA World Cup's first-ever album, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.

On Friday, Toronto will host its own opening ceremony at the newly expanded BMO Field before Canada faces Bosnia and Herzegovina. The "Great White North" will feature performances by Canadian artists Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, and Jessie Reyez, alongside Michael Bublé. Later that day, Los Angeles will host the U.S. opening ceremony prior to the U.S. Men's National Team's match against Paraguay. Headlining the U.S. celebration are Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted that the lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and its diasporas, emphasizing music's power to unite people. The tournament's opening match on Thursday will be a repeat of a 2010 fixture, with Mexico playing South Africa, who were co-hosts of the 2010 World Cup.

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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.