FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony Schedule: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin with a global celebration unlike any previous edition of the tournament. For the first time in World Cup history, three countries, Mexico, Canada and the US, will jointly host the competition, and FIFA has planned opening ceremonies across all three nations to mark the occasion. Music stars, cultural performances and football traditions will take centre stage before the opening matches get underway.
The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the biggest World Cup ever staged. FIFA's opening celebrations are designed to reflect the identity of each host nation while connecting fans across continents through a shared football festival.
Mexico to host first FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony
The first ceremony will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa.
For viewers in India, the ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 pm IST on Thursday, roughly 90 minutes before kickoff. FIFA expects the event to last about 16 minutes and 30 seconds.
How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony Live Streaming in India
Indian viewers can watch the opening ceremony live on Unite8 Sports television channels, including Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
The event will also be available for live streaming on Zee5 through its website and mobile application.
Canada and United States to host their own ceremonies
FIFA's multi-country opening plan will continue over the following days.
Toronto's ceremony in Canada will feature performances by Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Michael Bublé, Jessie Reyez, Elyanna, Vegedream, William Prince, Nora Fatehi and Sanjoy.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles will stage the United States ceremony before the USA's opening match against Paraguay, with FIFA promising a production inspired by Hollywood-style entertainment.
Opening ceremony timings around the world
Mexico opening ceremony
- India: June 11, 10:30 PM IST
- UK: June 11, 6:00 PM BST
- USA (ET): June 11, 1:00 PM ET
- Brazil: June 11, 2:00 PM BRT
- Saudi Arabia: June 11, 8:30 PM AST
Canada opening ceremony
- India: June 12, 11:00 PM IST
- UK: June 12, 6:30 PM BST
- USA (ET): June 12, 1:30 PM ET
- Brazil: June 12, 2:30 PM BRT
- Saudi Arabia: June 12, 9:00 PM AST
United States opening ceremony
- India: June 13, 5:00 AM IST
- UK: June 13, 12:30 AM BST
- USA (ET): June 12, 7:30 PM ET
- Brazil: June 12, 8:30 PM BRT
- Saudi Arabia: June 13, 3:00 AM AST
With football, music and entertainment converging across three countries, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is aiming to create a global spectacle even before the tournament's first ball is kicked.
FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony Performers list: Shakira and Burna Boy to perform official World Cup song
One of the biggest attractions of the evening will be the first live performance of "Dai Dai," the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem.
Shakira and Nigerian music star Burna Boy are set to headline the performance. The lineup also includes Colombian singer J Balvin, South African artist Tyla, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules and legendary Mexican band Maná.
FIFA has also confirmed that Ryan Castro will join J Balvin during the show.
Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour, actor Salma Hayek Pinault will appear as one of FIFA World Cup 2026's ambassadors during the ceremony.
Special pre-match performances planned
The opening celebration will also feature performances linked to the participating teams in the tournament opener.
Alejandro Fernández will sing Mexico's national anthem, while Tyla is scheduled to perform South Africa's national anthem before the match begins.
