FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Full Recap, Performers & Replays
The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony was not one show but three. Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles each staged their own celebration before their home team kicked off. All three are now done, and they delivered Shakira, a tearful “O Canada” and Katy Perry closing the trilogy with a 10-year-old from Norway.
This is the first time in history FIFA has run three opening ceremonies at one World Cup. Here is the full recap of each, the complete performer lists, the standout moments and where you can rewatch them all.
Quick answer: The three opening ceremonies took place June 11 and 12, 2026. Shakira and Burna Boy headlined Mexico City, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé led Toronto, and Katy Perry closed in Los Angeles.
You can rewatch all three free on Tubi in the US, plus FOX One, BBC iPlayer (UK) and SBS On Demand (Australia).
Three Ceremonies, Three Cities, Three Results
| Ceremony | Date | Venue | Headliner | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | June 11 | Estadio Azteca | Shakira | Mexico 2-0 South Africa |
| Toronto | June 12 | BMO Field | Alanis Morissette | Canada 1-1 Bosnia |
| Los Angeles | June 12 | SoFi Stadium | Katy Perry | USA 4-1 Paraguay |
Each ceremony ran about 30 minutes and started 90 minutes before kickoff. Italian agency Balich Wonder Studio produced all three, led by Marco Balich, fresh off the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Each show reimagined the World Cup trophy through its host culture.
Los Angeles Opening Ceremony Recap: Katy Perry Closes the Show
The USA saved the biggest production for last at SoFi Stadium. Future and Tyla kicked things off 90 minutes before kickoff with their World Cup song “Game Time.”
LISA, Anitta and Rema followed with “Goals,” another track from the official tournament album.
Then Katy Perry took the field ten minutes before kickoff. She wore a silver sequin gown by Stella McCartney.
Beside her stood Tius Luka, a 10-year-old Norwegian singer, for the live debut of her 2024 song “Wonder.” Flags from every World Cup nation circled the pair as they sang. Tius took the opening and closing lines. Perry lifted him into a hug as the crowd roared. It was the night’s viral moment, exactly as expected.
Dan + Shay sang the US national anthem. Paraguayan duo Purahéi Soul performed their country’s anthem before facing the biggest stage of their careers.
Then the USA made a statement. The hosts crushed Paraguay 4-1 in front of a galaxy of LA stars. Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal in the 7th minute, the fastest goal the USMNT has ever scored at a World Cup. Folarin Balogun struck twice before halftime. Giovanni Reyna curled in a sublime fourth deep in stoppage time. The USA now leads Group D and faces Australia on June 19.
Rewatch LA: Tubi (US, free 4K), FOX One, the FOX Sports app, BBC iPlayer (UK), SBS On Demand (Australia).
Toronto Opening Ceremony Recap: A Tearful O Canada
Canada’s first-ever home men’s World Cup match got the send-off it deserved at BMO Field. William Prince opened the show.
Nora Fatehi, Vegedream and Sanjoy brought the early energy. Alessia Cara and Michael Bublé added the Canadian star power. Jessie Reyez and Elyanna closed with “Illuminate,” their track from the official album.
The emotional peak came before kickoff. Alanis Morissette sang “O Canada” with the sold-out crowd. The Canadian players wrapped their arms around each other and sang along. Toronto-based violinist Aleksandar Gajić performed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s anthem.
Keep one thing straight. Bryan Adams and Wyclef Jean also performed in Toronto this week, but at Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert at Fort York, a separate event, not the BMO Field ceremony.
On the pitch, Canada earned a historic point. Jovo Lukić headed Bosnia ahead in the 21st minute. Cyle Larin equalized in the 78th. Larin nearly won it late but a Bosnian block denied him. The 1-1 draw gave Canada its first-ever World Cup point. Les Rouges play Qatar in Vancouver on June 18.
Rewatch Toronto: Tubi (US, free), FOX One, TSN+ (Canada), BBC iPlayer (UK), SBS On Demand (Australia).
Mexico City Opening Ceremony Recap: Shakira Lights the Spark
The tournament opened at Estadio Azteca on June 11. A dance routine honoring Aztec culture surrounded a giant trophy centerpiece. Lila Downs welcomed the crowd in Spanish and English. Maná performed “Oye Mi Amor.” Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules, Belinda, J Balvin and Tyla kept the Latin and global mix rolling.
Then came the surprise. Andrea Bocelli and EJAE performed the official FIFA anthem “DNA.” Neither was on the announced lineup. Shakira closed the show in yellow, performing the tournament song “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy and ending on its signature line: “Dale, allez, let’s go!” Alejandro Fernández sang the Mexican anthem before kickoff.
Mexico then beat South Africa 2-0. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 9th minute and became the first Concacaf player ever to score a World Cup opening goal. Raúl Jiménez headed the second at 35, making him the oldest player to score on his first World Cup start. Mexico tops Group A and plays South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18.
Rewatch Mexico City: Tubi (US, free), FOX One, ITVX (UK), SBS On Demand (Australia).
Every Opening Ceremony Performer
One lineup brought together pop, Afrobeats, K-pop, opera and cumbia across two days.
| City | Performers |
|---|---|
| Mexico City | Shakira, Burna Boy, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, J Balvin, Danny Ocean, Tyla, Andrea Bocelli, EJAE |
| Toronto | Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Elyanna, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, William Prince, Aleksandar Gajić |
| Los Angeles | Katy Perry, LISA, Future, Anitta, Rema, Tyla, Tius Luka, Dan + Shay, Purahéi Soul |
Tyla was the only artist to perform at two ceremonies, appearing in both Mexico City and Los Angeles. LISA became the first Thai artist and first K-pop idol to headline a World Cup opening ceremony.
How to Rewatch the Opening Ceremonies
All three ceremonies are available on demand. Here is where to find them free or with a subscription.
| Country | Where to rewatch |
|---|---|
| United States | Tubi (free 4K), FOX One, FOX Sports app |
| United Kingdom | BBC iPlayer (Toronto, LA), ITVX (Mexico City) |
| Canada | TSN+, CTV.ca |
| Australia | SBS On Demand (free) |
| South Africa | SABC Plus (free), DStv Stream |
| India | ZEE5 |
Tubi is the easiest free route in the US. It carries all three ceremonies and matches in 4K with no signup. UK coverage splits across BBC iPlayer and ITVX because the two broadcasters share the tournament.
Traveling abroad? A reliable VPN keeps your home stream working. For live coverage of every remaining match, see the World Cup 2026 TV channel list.
The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Soundtrack
FIFA released a full 18-track album instead of one official song. The ceremonies performed it live across both days. “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy and “DNA” by Bocelli and EJAE landed in Mexico City. “Illuminate” by Jessie Reyez and Elyanna featured in Toronto. “Game Time” by Future and Tyla, “Goals” by LISA, Anitta and Rema, and Katy Perry’s “Wonder” all hit the stage in Los Angeles.
Other highlights include “Echo” by Daddy Yankee and Shenseea, “Lighter” by Jelly Roll and Carín León, and “In the Stars (Remix)” by The Rolling Stones.
What’s Next: The Halftime Show and July 4 Ceremonies
The ceremonies are not over. FIFA confirmed two special shows on Saturday, July 4, 2026 marking America’s 250th anniversary. They run before Round of 16 matches at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and NRG Stadium in Houston.
The biggest moment still to come is the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show at the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. Madonna, Shakira and BTS headline. Shakira will have performed at both the opening and the final, a World Cup first.
FAQ About the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony
Who headlined the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies?
Shakira and Burna Boy headlined Mexico City on June 11. Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé led Toronto on June 12. Katy Perry closed the trilogy in Los Angeles the same evening.
What did Katy Perry perform at the LA ceremony?
Katy Perry performed “Wonder” from her 2024 album “143” with 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka. She wore a silver Stella McCartney gown and lifted Tius into a hug to close the show.
Can I rewatch the opening ceremonies?
Yes. All three are on demand now. US fans use Tubi free, plus FOX One and the FOX Sports app. UK fans use BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Australian fans use SBS On Demand.
Who won the three opening matches?
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0, Canada drew Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1, and the USA beat Paraguay 4-1.
Was there a halftime show at the opening matches?
No. The first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show takes place at the final on July 19, 2026, with Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
Can I watch the ceremonies on FIFA+?
No. FIFA+ does not carry the full ceremonies. Use your local rights holder such as FOX or Tubi in the US, BBC in the UK or SBS in Australia.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony trilogy is in the books. Mexico City brought Shakira and a home win. Toronto brought tears and a historic first point. Los Angeles brought Katy Perry and a 4-1 statement. Three cities, three shows, one tournament now fully underway, and the biggest stage of all still waiting on July 19.
