Katy Perry will perform at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in the USA, part of a three-ceremony celebration for the tournament. The World Cup kicks off on June 11, featuring matches in Mexico, the USA, and Canada.
Key points
Katy Perry will perform at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony
The tournament starts on June 11, 2026
Three opening ceremonies will be held for the host countries
Mexico will face South Africa in the first match
FIFA will celebrate the USA's 250th anniversary during the tournament
Mentioned in this story
FIFAUSAMexicoCanada
FIFA World CupSouth AfricaParaguayBosnia and Herzegovina
The 2026 World Cup will reportedly start off with not just one celebration – but three.
According to The Athletic, FIFA will host three opening ceremonies, one for each of the host country's (Mexico, the United States and Canada) opening match in the group stages. The tournament kicks off on June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca.
The next day, the United States takes on Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, and Canada takes the pitch against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto. Each event will feature performances from some of the top music artists in the world representing the host nations and their opponents. Katy Perry, Future, Michael Bublé and Maná are among those slated to perform.
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta
Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City
Estadio BBVA – Monterrey, Mexico
Estadio Akron –Guadalajara, Mexico
BMO Field – Toronto
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California
BC Place – Vancouver, Canada
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida
Lumen Field – Seattle
NRG Stadium – Houston
Levi's Stadium – Santa Clara, California
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts
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What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16
MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)
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MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)
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AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta
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Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City
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Estadio BBVA – Monterrey, Mexico
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Estadio Akron –Guadalajara, Mexico
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BMO Field – Toronto
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SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California
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BC Place – Vancouver, Canada
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What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida
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What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16
Lumen Field – Seattle
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What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16
NRG Stadium – Houston
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What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16
Levi's Stadium – Santa Clara, California
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What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia
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What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts
Who is performing at 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?
There will be three opening ceremonies for the 2026 World Cup, one for the opening match in the group stage for each of the host countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada. Each show, which will last between 13 and 17 minutes, is scheduled to start 90 minutes ahead of kickoff, according to The Athletic.
The tournament starts in Mexico City on June 11 when El Tri will face South Africa in Group A at Estadio Azteca. Iconic rock band Maná is slated to headline. They have infiltrated the sports world with their countless hits and their friendship with former undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez. Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda and cumbia band Los Ángeles Azules will take the stage as well. Tyla, known for her breakout hit "Water," will perform representing her South African heritage.
The United States will open their run in Group D against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood where the Los Angeles Chargers play. The Stars and Stripes will be welcomed by a performance from hitmaker Katy Perry. The Diamond-certified singer made a splash in the sports world when she headlined the Super Bowl 49 halftime show. She will be joined by Future, Sanjoy and Lisa. Marilina Bogado will also perform to represent Paraguay.
Katy Perry’s 2015 Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show became instantly iconic thanks to “Left Shark,” one of the two dancing sharks who went viral for its off‑beat, unsynchronized choreography during her performance of “Teenage Dream.”
Katy Perry’s 2015 Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show became instantly iconic thanks to “Left Shark,” one of the two dancing sharks who went viral for its off‑beat, unsynchronized choreography during her performance of “Teenage Dream.”
Canada will start their tournament in Group B against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto, the home of Toronto FC. Big band star Michael Bublé will grace the stage with his jazz classics. He will be joined by Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara.
J Balvin, Anita, Danny Ocean, Elyanna, Vegedream, Jesie Reyez, Nora Fatehi and William Prince are also reportedly on the lineup for the various festivities. The location of each of their performances has not been revealed at the time of publication.
How is FIFA celebrating the United States' 250th birthday?
The United States turns 250 years old in 2026. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776 and FIFA has plans to acknowledge the anniversary.
There will be two semiquincentennial celebrations during the 2026 World Cup, one at each of the Round of 16 matches scheduled for July 4 in Philadelphia and Houston. Few details on those events are available to the public at this time.
Other music entertainment around the 2026 World Cup includes Shakira releasing the official song, "Dai Dai," with Burna Boy. FIFA is releasing an official album, including the single "Lighter" by Jelly Roll, Carín León and Cirkut, to create hype for the tournament.
