CORNERFLICK
FIFA will stage three separate opening ceremonies for the 2026 World Cup, one before each host nation’s first game in a tournament shared by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The productions will be overseen by Italian producer Marco Balich, who also worked on the opening ceremony for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Mexico City will host the first ceremony on Thursday 11 June at 18:30 BST at the Azteca Stadium, before Mexico face South Africa in Group A. Shakira and Burna Boy are among the main performers, with the official tournament song, "Dai Dai", also set to feature. J Balvin, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda and Maná are also listed.
Canada’s event follows on Friday 12 June at 18:30 BST at BMO Field in Toronto, ahead of the national team’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Michael Bublé leads a line-up that includes Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna and French artist Vegedream.
The final ceremony takes place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in the early hours of Saturday 13 June, before the United States meet Paraguay. Katy Perry headlines the show, with Future, Lisa of Blackpink, Rema and Anitta also billed.