The FIFA revealed this weekend the full lineup of artists for the three Opening Ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
The president of the organization, Gianni Infantino, made the announcement through his Instagram account on May 8 and 9, featuring distinct promotional images for each venue.
This is the first time in history that FIFA is organizing multiple opening ceremonies in different countries for the same tournament. The unifying concept is that of a "shared heartbeat," designed to connect fans from the three host nations through football, music, and culture.
Mexico: the beginning of an unprecedented celebration
The opening ceremony will take place on June 11 at the Estadio Ciudad de México (Azteca), prior to the match between Mexico and South Africa.
Infantino stated: "The FIFA World Cup is a moment that the entire world shares, and it all begins with the way we inaugurate it. Mexico will kick off an unprecedented Opening Ceremony, in a celebration full of sound, color, and meaning."
The confirmed lineup for the ceremony in Mexico includes artists from various nationalities: Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, and Maná (Mexico); Lila Downs and Los Ángeles Azules (Mexico); Danny Ocean (Venezuela); J Balvin (Colombia); and Tyla (South Africa).
The visual design will be inspired by the art of papel picado.
The Azteca Stadium will become the first venue to host three World Cups: 1970, 1986, and 2026.
Canada: Identity and Diversity in Toronto
On June 12, BMO Field in Toronto will host the Canadian ceremony, prior to the home team's debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA confirmed for the Toronto ceremony Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Sanjoy, and William Prince (Canada); Elyanna (Palestinian-Chilean); Nora Fatehi (Canada, of Moroccan descent); and Vegedream (France), known for "Ramenez la coupe à la maison," the anthem of the French team in the 2018 World Cup.
The ceremony will include a reinterpretation of the trophy inspired by mosaic art.
Los Angeles: The capital of global entertainment
On June 12, the Los Angeles Stadium will host the U.S. ceremony at 4:30 p.m., 90 minutes before the opening match between the United States and Paraguay.
The doors will open four hours early, featuring activities and live programming.
Infantino emphasized that “the list of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vitality of its numerous diasporas.”
The lineup features six global superstars: Katy Perry and Future (USA); Anitta (Brazil); LISA (Thailand / BLACKPINK); Rema (Nigeria); and Tyla (South Africa), the only artist appearing at two ceremonies.
FIFA indicated that more artists will be announced soon. The ceremony will be produced in collaboration with Balich Wonder Studio.
A historical tournament that is already making waves
The 2026 World Cup is the largest tournament in history of soccer, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 stadiums across three countries, from June 11 to July 19.
In the musical realm, Daddy Yankee released "Echo" on April 29 alongside Jamaican artist Shenseea, while Shakira announced "Dai Dai", featuring Burna Boy, as the official song of the tournament, set to premiere on May 14.
The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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