The entire football fraternity is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener later tonight. All eyes will be on the opening ceremony, which includes big names like Shakira. There has been a lot of buzz about the 23rd edition of the marquee event, which has an extended format. Amid all the controversies and visa concerns in the USA, football fanatics are ready to celebrate the start of the football festival.
The 2026 World Cup will be a historic event with three host countries as venues. One of the major highlights of this event will surely be the opening ceremony, with global stars performing before the much-anticipated clashes.
Mexico locks horns against South Africa in the inaugural game in Mexico on Thursday, June 11. Here’s a detailed look at the Streaming platforms and other details for fans.
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2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremonies Schedule
All three ceremonies are connected across Mexico, Canada, and the US. They are made to unite the culture, identity and creative pool of these three nations. All these events are scheduled to start within 90 minutes of the kickoffs and will surely entertain the audiences.
Each host country will carry their own visual style to the ceremonies.
Canada will be represented through a cultural mosaic, Mexico through papel picado, and the US through what Balich called “a super shiny, glowing cup”. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it.”
"As the first nation to open the tournament, Mexico will set the stage for a trilogy of opening ceremonies that will continue across Canada and the United States," FIFA said.
Following the Mexico ceremony, eyeballs will shift to Toronto on 12 June at BMO Field, where Canada will host Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The final dance will be held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before the USA take on Panama. The major highlight will be Katy Perry for this event in the USA.
Finally, before the grand finale on 19th July, a Super Bowl-style half-time show will take place in New York City. The mega event will see K-Pop superstars BTS, Madonna, and most importantly, Colombian sensation Shakira blaze their guns.
Who are the Performers in the Opening Ceremony?
Shakira will be in the headlines as she features in the ceremony and will perform the official World Cup song.
Burna Boy will be a co-headliner alongside Shakira.
Other artists scheduled to perform include:
- J Balvin
- Tyla
- Maná
- Alejandro Fernández
- Belinda
- Danny Ocean
- Lila Downs
- Los Ángeles Azules
For Indian audience, the ceremony starts at around 10:30 PM IST today, ahead of the 2010 repeat opener between Mexico and South Africa.
TV Channels and Live Streaming
Football pundits and fans can keep a closer look at the ceremony and the matches on several platforms.
India: Live broadcasts will be available on the Unite8 Sports TV network, which includes Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. Digital live streaming is available on the Zee5 app and website.
United States: English coverage will be on FOX and FS1, while Spanish coverage will be on Telemundo and Universo. Free ad-supported streaming is available on Tubi. Digital streaming of all matches requires the FOX One app, Peacock, or the Telemundo app.
Canada: The ceremony will air on CTV, TSN, and RDS.
Mexico: Coverage will be available on Televisa and TV Azteca.
United Kingdom: Matches and ceremonies will be broadcast on the BBC and ITV.
Fans and audiences are on their heels, as enthusiasm rises from day 1. It’s surely going to be an action-packed World Cup. The question still rises, whether Lionel Messi reclaims the throne or Cristiano Ronaldo grabs his first World Cup silverware.