Inside 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies: Everything you need to know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off with an unprecedented three opening ceremonies, marking a historic first for the tournament. Celebrations will span across Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles, commencing on June 11 and continuing through June 12, preceding the opening matches.

Mexico City will host the inaugural ceremony on June 11, just 90 minutes before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at 3 p.m. ET. Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy are slated to headline, performing the official FIFA World Cup song, "Dai Dai." The event promises a showcase of Mexico's rich cultural heritage, featuring indigenous and modern folkloric performers alongside a star-studded lineup including Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana, and Tyla.

The festivities continue on June 12 with two more ceremonies. Toronto will host an event before Canada's match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Los Angeles will stage its own ceremony before the United States faces Paraguay. Both ceremonies will begin 90 minutes before their respective kick-offs, scheduled for 3 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET, respectively.

Toronto's ceremony will highlight Canadian talent, featuring artists such as Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Michael Buble, and Nora Fatehi. Los Angeles will present an international mix, with performances expected from Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla.

The celebrations extend beyond the opening matches. Shakira is also scheduled to perform at the FIFA World Cup Final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. She will be joined by Madonna and BTS for the halftime show, which is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. This grand finale aims to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative focused on enhancing educational and football opportunities for children worldwide.

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Mexican culture will take "centre stage through music, dance and artistic performances featuring indigenous talent alongside modern folkloric performers."