Three celebrations are set to take place in Mexico, the Unites States and Canada across two days.
Get the full guide on the 2026 World Cup’s three historic opening ceremonies, including schedules, massive star performers, and kickoff times.
The biggest show on Earth just got a massive upgrade. For the first time in football history, the FIFA World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies across three host nations, turning the tournament’s kickoff into a global entertainment spectacle.
When are the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies?
Mexico City gets the honors of getting the fiesta started on Thursday. The legendary Estadio Azteca will host the first ceremony ahead of Mexico’s Group A opener against South Africa. Shakira and Burna Boy are set to headline the historic venue, performing the new tournament anthem “Dai Dai” alongside Latin stars like J Balvin and Maná. The party starts at 1:30 PM local time (6:30 PM BST for UK fans).
On Friday, June 12, the spotlight shifts to Toronto’s BMO Field. Canada kicks off its Group B campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina, preceded by a distinctly Canadian musical celebration. Local icon Michael Bublé takes center stage alongside Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara, while French star Vegedream is also booked to bring some classic football anthem energy to the pitch. Like Mexico, this event begins at 1:30 PM local time.
The final curtain-raiser explodes in Los Angeles later that same Friday. SoFi Stadium will host a star-studded pre-match show before the USA battles Paraguay. California’s own Katy Perry is headlining a massive pop lineup featuring Future, LISA, and Rema, while Hollywood star Jason Sudeikis will officially welcome fans to LA. It starts at 4:30 PM local time, which means a late-night 12:30 AM Saturday kickoff for viewers tuning in from the UK.
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies?
The primary networks and streaming platforms broadcasting the ceremonies live across major regions are outlined below.
United States
- English Language: The ceremonies will air live on FOX. If you have cut the cord, you can stream FOX via live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or Sling TV (in select markets).
- Free Streaming: Fox’s free streaming service, Tubi, will simulcast the first opening ceremony on June 11 completely free with no subscription required.
- Spanish Language:Telemundo will handle the Spanish broadcast on television, while Peacock will provide the live stream online.
United Kingdom
- Free-to-Air: In the UK, the broadcasting rights are shared entirely between the BBC and ITV.
- Streaming: You can stream the ceremonies and opening matches for free via BBC iPlayer or ITVX (requires a valid TV license and account creation).
Canada
- English Language:TSN and CTV will broadcast the ceremonies. CTV provides free-to-air coverage for select marquee events, while TSN+ offers a dedicated digital streaming option for cord-cutters.
- French Language: Full French-language coverage will be broadcast on RDS and can be streamed via RDS GO.
Australia
- Free-to-Air: Australian soccer fans can catch the festivities for free. SBS and SBS Viceland are broadcasting the tournament on television.
- Streaming: The events can be streamed live and free online using the SBS On Demand platform.
Quick Schedule Reference
| Ceremony Location | Local Time | UK Time (BST) | Main Headliners |
| Mexico City (Estadio Azteca) | Thursday, 1:30 PM | Thursday, 8:30 PM | Shakira, Burna Boy |
| Toronto (BMO Field) | Friday, 1:30 PM | Friday, 6:30 PM | Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette |
| Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) | Friday, 4:30 PM | Saturday, 12:30 AM | Katy Perry, LISA, Future |