When is World Cup 2026 opening ceremony? Start time and who is performing in Canada and USA tonight

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·12 de junho de 2026

When is World Cup 2026 opening ceremony? Start time and who is performing in Canada and USA tonight

After Mexico City spectacular, further star-studded shows are scheduled for Toronto and Los Angeles

The 2026 World Cup continues tonight in Canada and the United States, where two more opening ceremonies will be held.

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The pre-match show at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy, who performed ‘Dai Dai’, the official World Cup 2026 song, for the first time live.

The ceremony also celebrated the best of Latin American talent, with FIFA saying in a statement: “In Mexico, this concept is brought to life through the intricate and celebratory art of ‘papel picado’, a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy.”

Mexican band Mana performed, alongside Alejandro Fernandez and Colombian J Balvin, as well as Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Tyla.

Shakira

Getty Images

There will be two other ceremonies for the remaining host nations when Canada and the USA play their first group matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Paraguay respectively on Friday.

Canada’s will take place at BMO Field in Toronto. Jessie Reyez and Palestinian singer Elyanna will perform, and Michael Buble headlines the evening’s pre-match entertainment.

Nora Fatehi, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, William Prince, DJ Sanjoy and Vegedream complete the lineup in a show that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hailed a “powerful reflection of Canada’s identity”.

Later on Friday (overnight in the UK) in Los Angeles, California, the USA take centre stage as Katy Perry, Future and Tyla all perform at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

K-pop band Blackpink will be joined by Brazilian Anitta and Nigerian Rema.

“The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country,” Infantino said.

Here’s the latest on the opening ceremonies...

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony start time

Canada’s World Cup opening ceremony begins at 6:30pm BST on Friday night - 1.30pm local time in Toronto - and the LA show begins at 12.30am BST. That is 7.30pm local time in California.

Is there a closing ceremony?

A closing ceremony is yet to be confirmed. Madonna, Shakira and K-pop superstars BTS will all headline the first-ever World Cup final half-time show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.