FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off with Star-Studded Ceremonies Across Host Cities

The FIFA World Cup 2026 commenced with a dazzling opening ceremony in Mexico City, featuring dance performances and a special appearance by world-renowned singer Shakira. The ceremony, held at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, saw performances by Shakira, along with J Balvin from Colombia, Afrobeats star Burna Boy, and Latin music artist Danny Ocean, in front of thousands of fans.

Additionally, Mexican singer Feid made an appearance on stage. The stadium was packed with spectators, creating an extremely festive atmosphere.

Just as Mexico did, the other two co-hosts, the United States and Canada, also organized grand opening ceremonies in their respective countries. In the United States, which is hosting the World Cup on its own soil for the first time since 1994, a grand celebration took place in Los Angeles, where popular Southern California singer Katy Perry took the stage before the athletes entered the field. Prior to her, rapper Future from the East Coast and other popular artists also performed. The ceremony also featured performances by Grammy Award-winning South African singer Tyla, Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta, and Lisa, a member of the K-pop group BLACKPINK.

The presence of celebrities was not limited to the stage. Hollywood actors Owen Wilson, Paris Hilton, and Sofia Vergara were also seen in the audience. Actor Jason Sudeikis led a small flag parade on the field. Thousands of fans had gathered before the game even started. Some fans were seen dressed as iconic American figures such as Elvis Presley, George Washington, Uncle Sam, and Davy Crockett.

Canada also hosted its own opening ceremony in Toronto. Singers Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé performed there.

Furthermore, FIFA is organizing a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the first time in nearly 100 years of World Cup history for the final match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Coldplay's Chris Martin, Madonna, and Shakira will be the main attractions at this event. The World Cup final match will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

This indicates that musical performances have now become a complete complement to major sporting events like the World Cup. Music and football are intrinsically linked as forms of popular culture. The World Cup is no longer just a celebration of sport, but a grand gathering that binds the cultures, emotions, and music of people worldwide. Therefore, musical performances before the start of games and during closing ceremonies hold as much importance as the games themselves. While the tradition of music enhancing the excitement of sports may not be as old as the World Cup itself, it has been captivating audiences worldwide for the past six decades.

Musical Tradition Begins (1960s–1980s)

The tradition of officially incorporating music into the FIFA World Cup began with the 1962 Chile World Cup.