Everything to know about 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies
Let the games begin.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here and it's kicking off in an epic way with not one but three opening ceremonies.
Before the first match on Thursday, June 11, between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, Shakira and Burna Boy took the global stage for the first opening ceremony, where they sang the FIFA World Cup official song, "Dai Dai."
Read on to see how to watch the FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies and more.
When are the opening ceremonies?
Thursday's opening ceremony in Mexico City began 90 minutes before kick-off between Mexico and South Africa.
Two more opening ceremony performances will take place on Friday, June 12, in Toronto and Los Angeles.
The opening ceremonies in Toronto and Los Angeles will also take place 90 minutes before kick-off.
Kick-off for the match between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto will begin at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, while kick-off for the match between the U.S. and Paraguay in Los Angeles will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Who is performing?
Along with Shakira and Burna Boy, stars who took the stage in Mexico City included Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.
FIFA touted the show as spotlighting Mexican culture through "music, dance and artistry, featuring indigenous talent and modern folkloric performers."
Artists taking the stage in Canadaon Friday include Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Alyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Buble, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince
And in Los Angeles on Friday, Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will perform.
Will Shakira perform twice during the World Cup?
Yes. After she takes the stage on June 11, Shakira will return for the FIFA World Cup Final and perform during its halftime show. Madonna and BTS will also co-headline alongside Shakira.
The event, which will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will take place on Sunday, July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. It will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is "an initiative aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide," according to a press release.
Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will also be part of the show.
How can I watch all 3 opening ceremonies?
Soccer fans can catch the opening ceremonies on TV via Fox and Fox's Sports cable channel FS1. Telemundo will also air the matches in Spanish.
Audiences can also stream World Cup matches on Tubi, FOX One and Fox Sports apps.
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