The wait is over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins today - and before a single ball is kicked, the world is getting one of the most ambitious opening celebration lineups in tournament history.
For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony is not a single show. It is a trilogy - with Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles each hosting their own kickoff spectacle across June 11 and 12, all produced in creative partnership with Italian agency Balich Wonder Studio.
Here is everything you need to know:
CEREMONY 1 - MEXICO CITY Estadio Azteca | TODAY, June 11 | 1:30 PM ET
The worldwide tournament officially kicks off today with the Mexico vs. South Africa game in Mexico City. Before the match starts, fans will be treated to an exciting opening ceremony that will include Shakira and Burna Boy singing the FIFA World Cup official song "Dai Dai" for the first time. The lineup then unfolds like a love letter to Latin music, featuring Maná, Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, Los Ángeles Azules, Belinda, Lila Downs, and Danny Ocean.
FIFA also confirmed that Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, DJ David Guetta, rapper Megan Thee Stallion, and EJAE - the Oscar-winning singer-songwriter behind "Golden" - will perform a new song "DNA" for the first time at the Mexico City ceremony.
Watch on: FOX / Telemundo / Tubi (free stream)
CEREMONY 2 - TORONTO BMO Field | June 12 | 1:30 PM ET
In Canada, Alessia Cara and Michael Bublé will take the stage before Canada plays their first-ever World Cup match on home soil. Alanis Morissette, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince are also scheduled to perform as part of the festivities.
Watch on: FOX / Telemundo / Tubi (free stream)
CEREMONY 3 - LOS ANGELES SoFi Stadium | June 12 | 7:30 PM ET
The U.S. will hold its opening ceremony in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla are all set to perform. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted that this specific artist lineup was chosen to reflect the cultural diversity and vibrant diasporas of the U.S., showcasing the nation's considerable influence on global pop culture, music, and entertainment. TODAY.comAl Jazeera
Watch on: FOX / Telemundo / Tubi (free stream)
AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR JULY 19
The celebrations do not end with the opening ceremonies. The World Cup final on July 19 will mark a historic moment with FIFA's first-ever halftime show - a Super Bowl-style spectacle at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.
A TOURNAMENT WORTH PRAYING ABOUT
Beyond the spectacle, this World Cup carries a story of faith worth noting. Christian Pulisic, one of the USMNT's leading figures, openly shares his Christian faith. His expressions are mirrored by teammates like Weston McKennie, whose social media profile boldly declares "All glory to God," and goalkeeper Matt Freese, who participates in Bible study groups and prayer sessions alongside his teammates.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is also known for his Catholic faith. For the global Christian community, there is much to watch - and much to pray over - as the world's most watched sporting event begins today.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19, jointly hosted across 16 cities - 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada - with 48 teams competing in the largest World Cup in history.
