The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over, and it will be the most ambitious tournament yet. For the first time in history, this edition will open with three spectacular ceremonies, one in each host nation, reflecting and celebrating North American culture.
Festivities kick off on Thursday, June 11, as the group stage officially begins. The first opening ceremony will unfold at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The celebration, set for 90 minutes before kickoff, will showcase Mexican culture, music and tradition before the host nation, Mexico, takes on South Africa in the first Group A matchup.
The second opening ceremony follows on Friday, June 12, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The event boasts a star-studded lineup, with global superstars Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla slated to perform. Their performances will set the stage for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay.
Canada will round out the trio of opening ceremonies on Friday, June 12, at Toronto’s BMO Field, showcasing Canadian talent. Artists such as Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince will perform ahead of Canada’s first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Here’s how you can watch all three opening ceremonies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What time is World Cup opening ceremony?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony will commence on June 11 at 1:30 p.m. ET, just before the Group A match between Mexico and South Africa. The United States and Canada will hold their opening ceremonies on Friday, June 12, 90 minutes prior to their respective group kickoffs.
Mexico's 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
- Date: Thursday, June 11
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX, Telemundo
- Stream: FOX One, Fubo, Peacock (Spanish)
United States' 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
- Date: Friday, June 12
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX, Telemundo
- Stream: FOX One, Fubo, Peacock (Spanish)
Canada's 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
- Date: Friday, June 12
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX, Telemundo
- Stream: FOX One, Fubo, Peacock (Spanish)
Buy World Cup tickets
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World Cup group-by-group previews
Group A (Mexico) | Group B | Group C | Group D (USMNT) | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H | Group I | Group J | Group K | Group L
2026 World Cup odds
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Source: USA Today
