TL;DR
- Three opening ceremonies planned for World Cup 2026
- Shakira and Burna Boy to perform
- Cultural showcase featuring diverse artists
- Stream on Fox and Telemundo
- Halftime show to feature Madonna and BTS
The countdown is on for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it’s set to kick off in style with not one, but three spectacular opening ceremonies! Mark your calendars for June 11, when the world tunes in to witness the magic unfold in Mexico City before the first match between Mexico and South Africa.
Get ready for a musical feast as global superstars Shakira and Burna Boy take center stage to perform the official World Cup song, “Dai Dai.” Yes, you heard that right! This is not just any ordinary opening; it’s a full-blown fiesta! And if you’re wondering how to catch all the action, fear not! The ceremonies will be broadcast live on Fox and FS1, with Spanish coverage available on Telemundo. You can also stream the excitement on Tubi and the Fox Sports apps.
So, what’s the schedule? The first ceremony kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on June 11 in Mexico City. But wait, there’s more! Two more ceremonies will light up Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12, also starting 90 minutes before their respective matches. Toronto will host Canada vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Los Angeles will see the U.S. take on Paraguay later that night.
And if you thought Shakira was just a one-time wonder, think again! She’ll be back for the FIFA World Cup Final, performing during the halftime show alongside the likes of Madonna and BTS. This star-studded event, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, promises to be a showstopper, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aimed at raising $100 million to improve education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
Expect a vibrant showcase of Mexican culture, with performances featuring indigenous talent and modern folkloric artists. The lineup in Mexico City includes the likes of Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, and Maná, while Toronto will feature Canadian icons such as Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara. Los Angeles won’t be left out either, with performances from Katy Perry, Future, and Anitta.
With so much talent and cultural richness on display, the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies are set to be a historic celebration of sports and unity. So grab your friends, get your snacks ready, and prepare to cheer on your favorite teams as they embark on this thrilling journey!