Who is performing at the World Cup's opening ceremony?

Before all the action gets underway in North America in 33 days, the USA, Mexico and Canada will kick off the summer festivities with the traditional opening ceremony. 

Over the years, this over-the-top pageantry has seen some truly unique World Cup moments, from Diana Ross' worst penalty kick ever to Shakira 'Waka Waka-ring' her way through a South African welcome. 

This year, to go along with the biggest World Cup ever, there will be THREE opening ceremonies, as each nation welcomes us to the month's festival of football. 

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Who is performing at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?  

There's something for every musical taste this summer, with a choice of well-known musical acts giving fans the feels ahead of the host nations' opening fixtures. 

The fun begins 90 minutes before the first game of the tournament when Mexico take on South Africa on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in the country's capital city. 

Colombian megastar J Balvin will be on the bill alongside multi-Grammy Award-winning Mexican rock band Mana, as well as pop stars Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, and singer-songwriter Lila Downs.

There are also performances from South African singer Tyla and Los Angeles Azules, who will treat fans to some traditional Mexican tunes. 

A day later in Canada, the country rolls out its big guns before they kick off its tournament against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Headliners before the game will be two of the nation's biggest acts in Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette, and they'll be supported by Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez and Nora Fatehi. 
 

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Rounding things off on June 12, the US gets its turn, turning to pop princess Katy Perry to usher in its World Cup ahead of its meeting with Paraguay in LA. 

Perry is no stranger to the experience, having performed at the Super Bowl previously and she'll be joined by rapper Future, Lisa of K-pop band Blackpink, Brazilian songstress Anitta, Rema and Tyla.

"The world will share this moment and that's how this tournament will begin," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on the announcement of the acts. 

"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," Infantino said. "It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration."

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