The wait for the 2026 World Cup is over, with Shakira and Burna Boy lighting up Mexico City before the first game – but the tournament still has two more opening ceremonies to perform thanks to the unprecedented nature of its setup.
This year’s finals are the first to be hosted by multiple countries, with the United States, Canada and Mexico all staging the competition, boasting the elusive element of home advantage for football’s greatest showpiece.
Follow LIVE: World Cup latest updates from today’s games and opening ceremonies
Three host nations means three separate opening ceremonies for each of their opening games, as is traditionally done, with the trio roping in A-list artists and other performers to set the tone for the biggest event on the football calendar.
These three elaborate productions are being orchestrated by Italian producer Marco Balich, renowned for his work on this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Here’s everything you need to know about who is performing at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies.
USA opening ceremony
The United States will put on the third and final World Cup opening ceremony tonight in Los Angeles. Getting started at 12:30am BST on Saturday 13 June before the US’ clash with Paraguay, the spectacle will be staged at the SoFi Stadium – the newest stadium being used at this summer’s tournament. BBC will broadcast that ceremony and match.
International pop star Katy Perry will headline in her home state, joined by rapper Future.
Tyla will also appear at her second ceremony having performed across the border in Mexico, along with Thai-born star Lisa from K-pop band Blackpink, Nigerian artist Rema and Brazilian singer Anitta.
The US has a history of memorable moments when it comes to World Cup opening ceremonies, including Diana Ross’s famous missed penalty ahead of the 1994 World Cup in Chicago.
Mexico opening ceremony
Mexico got World Cup proceedings underway with their opening ceremony on Thursday 11 June in Mexico City.
Held at Mexico City Stadium, better known worldwide as the Estadio Azteca, the ceremony took place ahead of the Group A clash between Mexico and South Africa, a repeat of the clash that rose the curtain on the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
Shakira and Burna Boy headlined, performing the official tournament song, Dai Dai.
Additional performers included Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
Canada opening ceremony
Canada then took the spotlight for their opening ceremony earlier on Friday at Toronto’s BMO Field ahead of the host nation’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Leading the line-up was none other than Canadian icon Michael Buble, with the likes of Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette among the other featured performers.
Palestinian singer Elyanna also performed while French artist Vegedream, who is best known for his timeless anthem “Ramenez la coupe a la maison” which celebrated France’s World Cup win in 2018.
Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy and William Prince were also on the bill.
