When is the World Cup opening ceremony 2026? Time, dates, performers and more to know

In recent history, the World Cup has kicked off with an opening ceremony. With the tournament featuring three co-host countries, that means three separate opening ceremonies will showcase some of the most prolific musical talents in the world.

Mexico will get the action started Thursday afternoon with a live performance headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy. The duo will perform their new song, "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 World Cup. Eight other performers will share the stage at Estadio Azteca.

In Canada, Alessia Cara and Michael Bublé will pregame Les Rouges' first World Cup match on home soil in the nation's history. Just south of the border, the U.S. will begin its tournament festivities with Katy Perry and Future, among others.

Here's everything to know about this year's World Cup opening ceremonies, including dates, times and performers.

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What time is the World Cup opening ceremony?

• Date: Thursday, June 11 (Mexico) | Friday, June 12 (Canada and U.S.)
• Time: 1:30 p.m. ET (Mexico and Canada) | 7:30 p.m. ET (U.S.)

This year, the times of the opening ceremonies will vary in accordance with different countries hosting the 2026 World Cup.

On the first day of the tournament, June 11, Mexico will play the opening game at 3 p.m. ET. The opening ceremonies will begin roughly 90 minutes before each match's kickoff, according to FIFA. Therefore, the first opening ceremony will begin around 1:30 p.m. ET in Mexico City.

Canada's match on Friday will also begin at 3 p.m. ET, meaning their ceremony will follow suit with a rough 1:30 p.m. start time. In the U.S., however, the time differs. Team USA's first match is slated to begin on Friday at 9 p.m. ET. This means that their opening ceremony will begin around 7:30 p.m. ET.

“The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino, according to FIFA. “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. It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration.”

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Where is the World Cup opening ceremony?

With Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. being equipped with hosting honors at this year's World Cup, there will be three separate opening ceremonies.

In Mexico, the home of El Tri, their opening ceremony will be at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The second opening ceremony in Canada will be at BMO Field in Toronto. Finally, the third and ultimate opening ceremony that takes place in the U.S. will commence at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

World Cup opening ceremony performers and artists

As previously shared, there will be three different opening ceremonies to begin this year's World Cup. Fans will be overjoyed to hear about the influx of stage personalities who will be active at the tournament's beginning.

Here are the talents who will be at each country's opening ceremony:

• Mexico: Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana, and Tyla
• Canada: Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Buble, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince
• U.S.: Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla

One of the biggest portions across North America will come in Mexico. At Estadio Azteca, Shakira and Burna Boy will perform "DAI DAI," which is this year's official World Cup song.

Two countries north, in Canada, Alessia Cara and Michael Buble headline the show set to take place before Les Rouges' 2026 tournament debut. In the U.S., Katy Perry and Future will perform prior to Team USA's opening bout against Paraguay.

How to watch World Cup opening ceremony live

The World Cup opening ceremony has the ability to be viewed all around the world. Here is how to tune in from around the globe.