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2026 World Cup Opens With Ceremonies in Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles Amid Protests in Host City
Three opening ceremonies will launch the expanded 104-match tournament across North America starting June 11. Mexico, Canada and the United States each host an event before their first matches.
Jun 9, 8:33 AM·3m read3 sources
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will open with three ceremonies across North America on June 11 and 12. Mexico City hosts the first event on June 11, followed by simultaneous ceremonies in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12. The tournament runs through July 19, when the final is scheduled in New York.
Mexico will face South Africa at Mexico City Stadium, formerly known as Estadio Azteca, after a ceremony expected to last 16 minutes and 30 seconds. The event will feature Indigenous performers, contemporary folkloric acts and papel picado. Scheduled performers include Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana, Tyla, Shakira and Burna Boy.
Stadium gates open at 9:00 local time, the ceremony begins at 11:00, warm-ups start at 12:10 and kickoff is set for 13:00. Canada plays Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium following a 13-minute ceremony that begins at 13:30 local time. The show opens with a countdown described as a journey across Canada from coast to coast to coast and centers on the theme of a cultural mosaic.
Performers include Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Buble, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince. Kickoff follows at 15:00. The United States faces Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium after a ceremony scheduled to start at 16:30 local time.
The 13-minute program will include performances by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla. Kickoff is set for 18:00 local time on June 12, which is 01:00 GMT on June 13. Marco Balich is producing all three ceremonies.
He previously served as creative director for the 2026 Winter Games opening ceremonies. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the events will bring together music, culture and football reflecting both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament.
