FIFA is promising “the greatest show on earth” with opening ceremonies in Mexico City June 11 and then Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12, each about 90 minutes before kick-off of the host nation’s World Cup matches.
Before the Mexico versus South Africa match on Thursday, 11 June in Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium, the entertainment will include some of Latin America’s biggest names such as Maná, Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin and Lila Downs. Gates will open four hours before the match to allow fans to play an active role in the show, which will also feature the intricate artistry of papel picado, a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy.
“The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it,” said Infantino. “Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament. It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration.”
The show in Toronto Stadium will commence at 1:30 pm on Friday June 12, about 90 minutes before kick-off of Canada’s opening match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The show will include entertainers such as Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, William Prince among others. Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the celebration will see the FIFA World Cup Trophy as a mosaic, symbolizing the people, cultures and communities of Canada.
“The opening ceremony in Toronto will be a powerful reflection of Canada’s identity and the energy surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026™,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “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. It will be a moment of pride, unity and anticipation as Canada takes its place on football’s biggest stage.”
FIFA says that fans at Toronto stadium will have an active role to play in the show and should plan to arrive early. Gates will open four hours ahead of the match.
Later on June 12 before the USA-Paraguay match, Los Angeles will host a spectacular opening ceremony worthy of the world’s capital of entertainment. FIFA is promising world famous entertainers to go with stars such as Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” said Infantino. “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.” Gates will open four hours before the match, and fans will play an active role in the show.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities between the June 11 opener in Mexico City and the July 19 final in New Jersey.
“Across time zones and borders, the celebrations are united by one central idea: a shared heartbeat,” says FIFA in a press release. “It is the rhythm of the game, the energy of the players and the passion of millions of fans experiencing the FIFA World Cup together in stadiums and around the world.”
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