Three Opening Ceremonies and the Biggest Stars: Everything Ahead of the World Cup Kickoff

Shakira, who is set to break a record, Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Katy Perry are just some of the stars who will perform as part of the World Cup opening events, which, for the first time, will begin with three matches in three different stadiums. Ben Goldfriend, N12. Published: 11.06.26, 15:00

1,271 days after the 2022 World Cup final, it is finally happening and the 2026 World Cup is getting underway. The 2026 World Cup, the first ever in which 48 national teams will play, is also the first to open three times in three different ceremonies: tonight (Thursday, 22:00) at the legendary Azteca Stadium, tomorrow (Friday, 22:00) in Toronto, and early Saturday morning (4:00) in California.

Azteca Stadium in Mexico

Artists: Shakira, Burna Boy and J Balvin, Tylah, Maná and Alejandro Fernández.

Match: Mexico vs. South Africa, 11.6 at 22:00

If you are into milestones, this is the match in which the 2026 World Cup officially opens. Azteca Stadium in Mexico will be the first ever to host three opening matches of three different World Cups, after the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, and as such it will host Shakira in the main show, setting a record with four performances across four different World Cups, more World Cup appearances than Italy have made in that period.

In keeping with the South American atmosphere that suits the region and the time, J Balvin will also perform, alongside the local band Maná and Alejandro Fernández, while Burna Boy and Tylah will add the African touch. The performances are expected to last about 17 minutes, so better not blink.

BMO Stadium in Toronto

Artists: Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna and Jessie Reyez

Match: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 12.6 at 22:00

One day after the World Cup opens in Mexico, the second opening night will take place, this time in the least "sexy" of the three destinations, Canada. The home team, which is hosting the tournament for the first time and is appearing in the World Cup for only the third time in its history, is not expected to go very far, but they certainly did not skimp on the performances. The biggest star is of course Michael Bublé, but it will be the local Alanis Morissette who draws the crowd.

SOFI Stadium in California

Artists: Katy Perry, Future, Lisa, Anitta, Rema and Tylah

Match: USA vs. Paraguay, 13.6 at 4:00

The night between Friday and Saturday will bring the real opening of the World Cup. Donald Trump will arrive, hundreds of millions of viewers will wait in front of their television screens, and just before the home team begins the event it has been waiting for for about eight years since it was announced that it would be held on U.S. soil, Katy Perry will energize the crowd. Rappers Future and Lisa will remind football viewers what a halftime show is, at least according to Donald Trump, and Brazilian Anitta will also add the South American tone. Did you find a language error?