World Cup Opening Ceremonies: When are they, what time do they start, who is performing & how to watch

The 2026 World Cup will officially get underway when co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday.

The showdown between the two historic nations is expected to command a colossal global audience, with millions tuning in shortly before the big game to take in the festivities of the first of three opening ceremonies.

With the United States and Canada joining Mexico as co-hosts of the global footballing extravaganza, each of the nations will take turns in hosting an opening ceremony, with the first taking place in the Mexican capital, before similar spectaculars in Toronto and Los Angeles over the following few days.

Here's everything you need to know about all three opening ceremonies.

What are the World Cup opening ceremonies?

Three interconnected World Cup opening ceremonies will be staged in Mexico, Canada and the United States, all built around a shared, common theme, whilst also showcasing each country's culture, identity and creative talent.

It's been announced that all three opening ceremonies will begin 90 minutes before the host nation's opening match of the competition.

Imagined and produced by Marco Balich, the creative director of several Olympic Games opening ceremonies, each show will pay homage to each of the co-hosts whilst also centering on football's ability to unite people across the world.

“The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament. It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration.”

According to The Athletic, the ceremony in Mexico City is expected to run for about 16 minutes and 30 seconds, whilst the subsequent the shows in Toronto and Los Angeles are scheduled to last approximately 13 minutes each.

When are the World Cup opening ceremonies taking place?

• Mexico City - June 11 (17:30 BST)
• Toronto - June 12 (17:30 BST)
• Los Angeles - June 12 (23:30 BST)

The first of the three official World Cup opening ceremonies will take place at the fabled Estadio Azteca in Mexico City prior to Mexico's opening clash with South Africa on Thursday 11th June.

The following day, Friday 12th June, Toronto's BMO Field will host Canada's opening ceremony prior to their group clash against Bosnia & Herzegovina, before Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium falls under the sporting spotlight later on the same day when it hosts the United States' opening ceremony shortly before midnight (UK time).

Who is performing at the opening ceremonies?

Four-time Grammy winner Shakira has been announced as the headline act for the first opening ceremony in Mexico and she will be performing 'Dai Dai' - the official song of the tournament, alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy.

The Colombian superstar is no stranger to a World Cup smash hit, having previously recorded the hugely-popular 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

South African singer-songwriter Tyla and Colombian singer J Balvin are two other stars set to take to the stage of the Estadio Azteca, whilst other star attractions include Mexican singers Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs and Belinda, as well as Venezuelan act Danny Ocean.

In Canada, a diverse lineup of music stars will help reflect the global spirit of the tournament with Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé all set to feature, before Katy Perry headlines in LA prior to the US's curtain-raiser with Paraguay.

How to watch the World Cup opening ceremonies - TV channel & live stream

All three opening ceremonies will be available to watch in the UK.

The first on Thursday 11th June is being broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX ahead of Mexico's clash with South Africa.

The second opening ceremony on Friday 12th is being held before Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina and will be available to watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the BBC also then showing the third and final opening ceremony later the same evening ahead of the United States' showdown with Paraguay.