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The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over, and it will be the most ambitious competition yet. For the first time ever, the event will kick off with three spectacular ceremonies, one for each host country, that reflect and celebrate North American culture.
The group stage has officially begun and the festival begins on Thursday, June 11th. The first opening ceremony will take place at Mexico City’s legendary Estadio Azteca. The celebration, set 90 minutes before kick-off, will showcase Mexican culture, music and traditions before hosts Mexico take on South Africa in their first Group A match.
The second opening ceremony will be held on Friday, June 12th at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The event boasts a star-studded line-up, with global superstars Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema and Tyra set to perform. Their performance will set the stage for the United States’ first game against Paraguay.
Watch the World Cup Opening Ceremony with Fubo
Canada will wrap up three opening ceremonies on Friday, June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto, showcasing Canadian talent. Artists including Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elianna, Jesse Reyes, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince will perform ahead of Canada’s opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Here’s how to watch all three opening ceremonies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What time is the World Cup opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin at 1:30pm ET on June 11, just before the Group A match between Mexico and South Africa. The United States and Canada will hold opening ceremonies on Friday, June 12, 90 minutes before their respective group kickoffs.
Mexico’s 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
Watch the Mexico World Cup Opening Ceremony in Spanish
2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony in the United States
Watching the US World Cup Opening Ceremony
Canada’s 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
Watch the Canada World Cup Opening Ceremony
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World Cup Group Preview
Group A (Mexico) | Group B | Group C | Group D (USMNT) | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H | Group I | Group J | Group K | Group L
