World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremonies to Feature Shakira, Katy Perry, Madonna and More

FIFA has revealed the first slate of performances for the 2026 World Cup, which begins Thursday at 10 p.m. Israel time in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament’s opening ceremony will take place 90 minutes before kickoff at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, and is set to include Shakira, Burna Boy, the Mexican band Maná, J Balvin and Los Ángeles Azules, among others.

Shakira and Burna Boy are expected to perform the tournament’s official song, “Dai Dai,” for the first time. On Friday, two more ceremonies are scheduled, one in Toronto before Canada’s first match and one in Los Angeles for the United States. FIFA said the lineups are still incomplete in both cities.

In Toronto, the planned performers include Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara and Jessie Reyez, plus additional artists not yet named by FIFA. In Los Angeles, the ceremony will feature Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema and Tyla.

The biggest novelty this year is a halftime show at the World Cup final on July 19, the first ever at a men’s World Cup. Chris Martin of Coldplay is overseeing artist selection, and the planned show is expected to include Madonna, Shakira and BTS. Several broadcasters have already raised concerns that the halftime performance may be too long and could cut into advertising time, but FIFA has not said how long the show will last.