FIFA has unveiled a major lineup of international music stars for the opening ceremonies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will kick off with celebrations spanning the United States, Mexico, and Canada for the first time in tournament history. In the United States, Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, and Tyla will lead the festivities on June 12 at SoFi Stadium before the U.S. faces Paraguay in the tournament opener.
The 2026 tournament, running from June 11 through July 19, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities. Additional opening ceremonies will also take place in Toronto and Mexico City, creating a continent-wide launch for the expanded competition. FIFA says this marks the first time multiple countries will host opening celebrations for a single World Cup.
Canada’s event at BMO Field will feature performances from Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, and others ahead of Canada’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina; while, Mexico’s celebration at Azteca Stadium on June 11 will include performances by J Balvin, Maná, Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, and Danny Ocean before Mexico takes on South Africa.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement: “This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become. The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country.”
The opening ceremony lineup coincided with the news that for the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the tournament final will include a halftime performance inspired by the Super Bowl format. Madonna, BTS and Shakira are set to headline the World Cup on July 19 at MetLife Stadium – temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the event.
Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com