FIFA World Cup 2026 to Begin With Three Opening Ceremonies Across Host Nations

New Delhi: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin on June 11 across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament's opening match will be played in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa. By the time the match kicks off, it will already be June 12 in India; the match is scheduled to start at 12:30 AM. Since the tournament is being hosted across three countries, there will be three distinct opening ceremonies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

First Opening Ceremony in Mexico

An opening ceremony will be held in Mexico City prior to the match between Mexico and South Africa. Shakira and Burna Boy will perform as the headline acts. The ceremony will commence 90 minutes before the match begins. In India, the opening ceremony can be watched starting at 11:00 PM on June 11.

Events in Toronto and Los Angeles Too

The second opening ceremony will take place in Toronto, Canada. Canada is scheduled to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the tournament's third match. Fans in India can watch this opening ceremony starting at 11:00 PM on June 12, ahead of the match. The first match in the USA will be played on June 13 at the Los Angeles stadium between the USA and Paraguay. This match will start at 6:30 AM Indian Standard Time, with the opening ceremony broadcast in India starting at 5:00 AM. Katy Perry will feature in this event.

Opening Ceremony in Mexico: Shakira and Burna Boy will be the main performers and will sing the tournament's official song, 'Die Die'. Other artists include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.

Opening Ceremony in Canada: Renowned Canadian artist Michael Bublé, along with artists like Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette, will perform. Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna will also perform, alongside French artist Vegedream. Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, and William Prince are also set to perform.

Opening Ceremony in the USA: International pop star Katy Perry will be the headline act in her home state. She will be joined by rapper Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, and Tyla.

Where to watch the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony?

Fans in India can watch the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony live. It will be broadcast live on Unite8 sports channels. Additionally, the opening ceremony will be live-streamed on ZEE5.