Three host nations stage separate opening ceremonies for 2026 World Cup

MEXICO CITY: The 2026 FIFA World Cup began with three separate opening ceremonies spread across Mexico, Canada and the United States, turning the tournament’s opening stretch into a continent-wide entertainment showcase before attention moved to the matches.

The format marked a departure from the traditional single curtain-raiser and reflected the scale of the first 48-team World Cup. Organisers held distinct ceremonies in each of the three co-host countries, with performers from Latin America, Africa, North America, Europe and Asia taking part.

Mexico City opens the sequence

The first ceremony was held in Mexico City on June 11, where Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats artist Burna Boy led the event. The pair performed the tournament anthem Dai Dai, linking the new competition cycle with Shakira’s long association with the World Cup after her 2010 song Waka Waka.

The Mexico City lineup also included Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Lila Downs, Maná and Los Ángeles Azules. Other performers named were J Balvin, Ryan Castro, Danny Ocean and Tyla. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Korean-American singer EJAE performed the official FIFA anthem DNA.

Shakira’s appearance also drew online attention after some social media users questioned whether the person on stage was actually the singer herself. Videos from the ceremony circulated widely, prompting discussion over her appearance, movements and styling. No evidence emerged to support claims that a body double had been used.

Canada marks first World Cup hosting role

The second event took place in Toronto, where Canada staged its first World Cup opening ceremony as a host nation. The programme focused on Canadian performers, with Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette leading the show. Jessie Reyez and William Prince were also part of the event.

The Toronto ceremony was presented as a reflection of Canada’s multicultural identity. The artists named also included Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna, French performer Vegedream, Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy and Canada-based entertainer Nora Fatehi.

Los Angeles hosts final act

The third ceremony was held in Los Angeles, with Katy Perry headlining an event described as carrying a Hollywood-style production. She was joined by rapper Future, Brazilian singer Anitta, BLACKPINK member Lisa, Nigerian artist Rema and South African singer Tyla.

Tyla was among the few performers to appear at more than one of the opening events. Taken together, the three ceremonies underlined FIFA’s effort to present the expanded tournament as both a sporting competition and a global cultural event spanning the three host countries.