VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 03: Aerial view of Science World after the completion of the FIFA World Cup 2026 match ball installation on June 03, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Built as the signature Expo Centre for Expo 86, the landmark’s geodesic dome has been transformed with 131 custom-shaped panels into a giant recreation of the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026, ahead of the tournament’s arrival in Vancouver. (Photo by Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images)
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The 2026 World Cup gets underway today with planned celebrations across North America. Three opening ceremonies will take place in Mexico, Canada and the United States ahead of the first three Group A matches of the tournament.
The opening ceremonies kick off June 11 in Mexico City, where Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy are scheduled to headline. The pair recently released “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They’ll be joined by Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.
On June 12, Toronto will host Canada’s opening ceremony, featuring performances by Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince, among others.
Los Angeles will host the U.S. opening ceremony also on June 12, with performances by Anitta, Future, Katy Perry, Lisa and Rema. Dan + Shay and Purahei Soul will sing the competing nations’ national anthems during the pre-match ceremony. FIFA World Cup 2026 ambassador and Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis is slated to welcome fans to L.A.
Here’s how to watch each of the World Cup opening ceremonies, including start times, where to tune in live and which teams will be taking the field.
What Time Is The 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony In Mexico?
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 10: A general view of Mexico City Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. Mexico City Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 11, becoming the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
VCG via Getty Images
The first World Cup opening ceremony will take place at Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, June 11, at 1:30 p.m. ET. The event is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at 3 p.m. ET.
How To Watch The Mexico 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
FOX will broadcast all three opening ceremonies in English, while Telemundo will provide Spanish-language coverage for viewers tuning in to the events in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Watch on TV: FOX, Telemundo
Stream online: FOX One, Tubi, Peacock, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream
What Time Is The 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony In Canada?
Temporary bleacher seating is installed to add extra capacity near the regular stands at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada on March 24, 2026, ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. BMO Field will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Cole BURSTON / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
On June 12, Canada’s World Cup journey starts in Toronto, where the second opening ceremony will be held before Canada’s Group A match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ceremony is expected to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, ahead of kickoff at 3 p.m. ET that afternoon.
How To Watch The Canada 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
Watch on TV: FOX, Telemundo
Stream online: FOX One, Tubi, Peacock, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream
What Time Is The 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony In The U.S.?
Inglewood, CA – June 09, 2026 :A view of Sofi Stadium as workers prepare for the 2026 Fifa World Cup as the union representing 2,000 food and beverage workers announced they reached a tentative agreement with Legends Hospitality avoiding a potential strike on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The final opening ceremony will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 12, before the U.S. takes on Paraguay at 9:00 p.m. ET.
How To Watch The U.S. 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
Watch on TV: FOX, Telemundo
Stream online: FOX One, Tubi, Peacock, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream