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Sports2026 World Cup to hold three separate opening ceremonies across US, Mexico, Canada
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature three distinct opening ceremonies across its host nations: Mexico, Canada, and the United States, taking place on June 11-12. Each ceremony will occur 90 minutes before the respective host nation's first match. Mexico's ceremony at Estadio Azteca will feature artists including Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy, and Alejandro Fernández, with Shakira performing the tournament theme 'Dai Dai' alongside Burna Boy. The Canadian ceremony at BMO Field and the US ceremony at SoFi Stadium will also have performances. The article provides viewing information for US audiences, noting broadcasts on Fox, Telemundo, and streaming on Fubo and Tubi. Mexico's ceremony is expected to last 16 minutes and 30 seconds, celebrating Indigenous culture and national imagery.
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All three host nations get an opening ceremony between June 11 and 12. Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Images
By Steven Louis Goldstein June 11, 2026 Updated
“Mi Gente” from Mexico City? “Head Over Feet” before headers and free kicks? “March Madness” in … June? Let’s see what exactly is in store, as the 2026 World Cup commences with three different opening ceremonies across its trio of host nations.
Musicians are lined up to perform atop pitches before group-stage introductions in Mexico, Canada and the United States. Each country’s show will evoke specific national imagery. The long list of featured artists hints at elaborate sets. Hype should be high as the largest bracket in tournament history breaks its seal. Here’s what to know and when to tune in for all three ceremonies.
How to Watch the World Cup Opening Ceremonies (U.S. Viewers)
- Venues: Estadio Azteca — Mexico City; BMO Field — Toronto; SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, Calif.
- Dates: June 11–12
- Starts: 90 minutes before each match
| Game | Time (ET) | TV | Stream | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Mexico vs. South Africa | 3 p.m., Thu. | Fox, Telemundo | Fubo (Watch Now) | | Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3 p.m., Fri. | Fox, Telemundo | Fubo (Watch Now) | | U.S. vs. Paraguay | 9 p.m., Fri. | Fox, Telemundo | Fubo (Watch Now) |
The opening ceremonies will also be available for free on Tubi, the over-the-top streaming app owned by Fox. Fox is free over the air and streams with a Fox One subscription.
Mexico’s Opening Ceremony
Mexico last hosted the World Cup in 1986. Its opening ceremony celebrated Indigenous culture through dance and design. The set also brought out marching bands and mariachi performers, with sprawling cutaways to Chichén Itzá and seaside Mayan architecture.
This year’s ceremony features the following artists:
- J Balvin
- Belinda
- Burna Boy
- Ryan Castro
- Lila Downs
- Alejandro Fernández
- Los Ángeles Azules
- Maná
- Danny Ocean
- Shakira
- Tyla
Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” was the official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Per Billboard, it’s the most successful World Cup anthem to date. The Colombian singer is also set as a co-headliner for the halftime show at the World Cup final, alongside BTS and Madonna.
Nigerian star Burna Boy will join Shakira for “Dai Dai,” the theme for this 2026 tournament. That collaboration has topped nine-figure plays on YouTube.
Fernández is on FIFA’s World Cup album with “Mi Mexico Lindo.” Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules combine for “Por Ella.” Ocean has “Partidazo” on the album, and Tyla links with Future on “Game Time.”
The Mexican ceremony is expected to last 16 minutes and 30 seconds, according to an earlier report from The Athletic.
After the smoke clears, Mexico will take on South Africa to open up Group A action. Fernández is going to sing the Mexican national anthem.
Source
Soccer - The AthleticWestern
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Shakira and Burna Boy Release 2026 World Cup Anthem "Dai Dai"