Brazilian singer Anitta, Colombian singer Shakira, and American singer Katy Perry will perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies [1].
This expanded entertainment strategy marks a shift in how FIFA launches its premier tournament. By staging multiple events, the organization aims to highlight the cultural identity of each host nation and maximize global viewership across different time zones.
FIFA is planning three separate opening ceremonies [2], one in each of the host nations: Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. [3]. This approach allows the tournament to showcase the unique atmosphere of each region before the competition fully commences.
The ceremony in Mexico takes place today, June 11, 2026 [4], at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City [1]. The festivities will continue tomorrow, June 12, 2026 [5], with the opening ceremony in the U.S. held in Los Angeles [1]. While Canada is also hosting a ceremony, the specific city has not been disclosed [1].
Anitta, Shakira, and Perry are among the featured artists selected to headline these events [1]. The inclusion of global superstars from different continents reflects FIFA's goal to attract a diverse international audience through a blend of pop and Latin music.
This logistical arrangement is part of a broader effort to expand the tournament's entertainment component [6]. By distributing the celebrations, FIFA can create localized engagement in the three host countries while maintaining a unified global broadcast event.
“FIFA is planning three separate opening ceremonies”
The decision to split the opening ceremony into three distinct events reflects the unprecedented scale of the 2026 tournament. By decentralizing the kickoff, FIFA is transitioning the World Cup from a single-city launch to a multi-national festival, effectively treating the opening as a touring roadshow to build momentum across North America.
