World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony — Shakira, Katy Perry and Full Lineup
The biggest football tournament in history is two days away — and the opening show is matching the scale.
For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature three separate opening ceremonies across three host nations — Mexico City on June 11, followed by Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12. The tournament spans 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19. And the opening shows have been designed to match that unprecedented scale.
Mexico City — June 11 — Shakira and Burna Boy Open the World Cup
The tournament kicks off at Estadio Ciudad de México (the iconic Azteca) on Thursday June 11 at 11:30 AM local time — 90 minutes before Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match. This stadium becomes the first in history to host matches at three separate FIFA World Cups.
Shakira and Burna Boy will perform "Dai Dai" — the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem — live for the very first time. The Colombian superstar, who famously created "Waka Waka" for the 2010 World Cup, has already landed in Mexico City, describing it as her second home. The full Mexico City lineup also includes Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules and Maná.
📰 Related: FIFA World Cup 2026 Complete Guide: Dates, Groups, Teams and How to Watch
Toronto and Los Angeles — June 12 — Katy Perry, LISA and More
The second ceremony takes place at BMO Field in Toronto on June 12 at 1:30 PM ET, ahead of Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina. Headliners include Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette — two of Canada's most iconic musical exports — alongside Tyla.
The trilogy concludes at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12 at 4:30 PM PT, 90 minutes before USA vs Panama. The LA ceremony is headlined by Katy Perry, LISA (of BLACKPINK), Future, Rema, Anitta and Tyla. All three ceremonies were produced by Italian creative agency Balich Wonder Studio, led by Marco Balich — fresh off directing the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the shows as ceremonies that "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."
📰 Related: 2026 World Cup Mexico Safety Guide — What Fans Need to Know Before June 11
The World Cup Final Half-Time Show — BTS, Coldplay, Madonna and Shakira
The spectacle doesn't end with the opening. For the first time in World Cup history, the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will feature a dedicated half-time show — and the lineup is extraordinary.
BTS, Coldplay, Madonna and Shakira will all perform at the final. The show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football for children worldwide. For BTS's global ARMY fanbase — one of the most devoted in music — the World Cup final just became unmissable viewing regardless of who's playing.
How to watch the opening ceremony: ITVX (UK, free), Tubi (US, free), SBS On Demand (Australia, free).
📰 Related: World Cup 2026 at Risk? SoFi Stadium Workers Vote 96% to Strike
Key Takeaways
- Three opening ceremonies — Mexico City (June 11), Toronto and Los Angeles (June 12) — first time in World Cup history.
- Shakira and Burna Boy perform "Dai Dai" — the official anthem — live for the first time in Mexico City.
- Katy Perry, LISA, Future, Rema and Anitta headline the Los Angeles ceremony.
- Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette headline Toronto.
- BTS, Coldplay, Madonna and Shakira confirmed for the World Cup final half-time show on July 19.
- Watch free: ITVX (UK), Tubi (US), SBS On Demand (Australia).
