The World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies schedule begins with three separate host-nation events across North America, giving Mexico, Canada and the United States their own kickoff celebrations.

The first ceremony is set for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Mexico City Stadium, widely known as Estadio Azteca, before Mexico face South Africa in the opening match. Two more ceremonies follow on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Toronto and Los Angeles.

World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies schedule by city

In Mexico City, the ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 AM local time on Thursday, June 11, 2026, about 90 minutes before Mexico vs. South Africa at 1:00 PM local time. For viewers in India, that is 11:30 PM IST on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Shakira and Burna Boy are among the headline performers, with other artists including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Maná and Tyla.

Toronto’s ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 PM ET on Friday, June 12, 2026, at BMO Field before Canada play Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lineup includes Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, William Prince, Sanjoy and Elyanna. The Toronto event gives Canada a major cultural moment before its first home World Cup match.

Los Angeles will host the United States ceremony at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026, starting at 4:30 PM PT, ahead of the United States vs. Paraguay at 6:00 PM PT. Katy Perry headlines the U.S. show, joined by Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla. Dan + Shay are scheduled to perform the American national anthem.

Why the three-city format matters

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition hosted across three countries, making the opening rollout different from the traditional single-city ceremony. The three-event format helps each host nation highlight its own football identity, music and culture before the expanded tournament begins.

For Indian viewers, the tournament will air on Unite8 Sports, with streaming on Zee5 and select matches on DD Sports.