World Cup 2026 opening ceremony performers announced as Gianni Infantino releases statement

This summer, there will be three separate opening ceremonies for the FIFA World Cup to reflect the fact that there are three different nations hosting matches at the tournament. Although the bulk of the 104 matches will take place in the USA, 26 matches will take place across Mexico and Canada, and FIFA are keen to remind fans that both nations are considered hosts just as much as the USA. In recent days, FIFA have revealed details about the three opening ceremonies, including the names of the artists who will be performing. The tournament will officially begin on 11 June with a match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. By pure fluke, the match is a repeat of the 2010 opener, when the tournament was held in South Africa. Prior to the match in Mexico City, a host of artists will perform on stage, including Tyla, Alejandro Fernandez, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Belinda, J Balvin and the groups Los Angeles Azules and Mana. Meanwhile, the biggest pre-show is expected to take place a day later at the SoFi Stadium ahead of the USA's first match of the tournament against Paraguay. Rappers Future, Lisa and Tyla, singer Anitta, singer/rapper Rema and DJ Sanjoy will be part of the ceremony before the U.S. plays Paraguay. Katy Perry will headline the show, but there will also be performances from Anitta, Rema and DJ Sanjoy. The Canadian opening ceremony will take place a few hours earlier on 12 June in Toronto, ahead of Canada's match with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette are the two biggest names set to perform, but Jessie Reyez, Alessia Cara and William Prince will also be there. Speaking about the Canadian show, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “Through music, culture and unforgettable performances, we will welcome the world with a celebration that is uniquely Canadian while also connected to a larger story unfolding across Mexico and the United States.”