Why are there three opening ceremonies on the 2026 World Cup?
Need to know
Everything you need to know about the 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies, including dates, times, locations and performers for Mexico, Canada and the USA
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is about to get under way(Image: Getty Images)
This year is the first time a FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by three distinct countries, and to celebrate the unique cultural identity of each host country, FIFA has taken the unprecedented step of arranging a triplet of individual opening ceremonies, with the first ceremony taking place in Mexico today (June 11) at the Estadio Azteca.
Pop legend Shakira and Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy headlined what was a lively and vibrant affair in the Mexican capital, with the Waka Waka singer debuting the official tournament song ‘Dai Dai’, with the likes of Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta and Burna Boy also making the set list.
The second ceremony will kick off tomorrow (June 12) at Toronto Stadium, also known as BMO Field, at 1:30pm ET, and looks to celebrate all things Canada as the North American nation gears up to host a men’s World Cup match for the very first time.
Shakira took centre stage at the Mexican opening ceremony(Image: Getty Images)
Legendary Canadian performers Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette are set to spearhead the celebratory pre-match entertainment, alongside global acts including Elyanna and Nora Fatehi.
The ceremony will take place 90 minutes before Canada kick off their group stage journey against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The United States will complete the trio with its own glittering spectacular, also tomorrow at 7:30pm ET (12:30am UK time in the early hours of Saturday morning).
The opening ceremony has certainly been an eye-catching affair(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
This third and final ceremony will take place at Los Angeles Stadium in California, often called the SoFi Stadium.
International pop sensation and ex-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau partner Katy Perry is poised to top the bill for the American festivities alongside K-pop sensation LISA and rapper Future.
Their shows will be followed by the eagerly awaited United States opener against Paraguay, which gets underway at 9pm ET on Friday or 2am on Saturday morning in the UK.
Katy Perry is set to feature at the US ceremony(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is slated to run from June 11 to July 19.
This ground-breaking tournament represents the biggest expansion in World Cup history, showcasing 48 national teams competing across a total of 104 matches throughout 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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