The wait is almost over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest football tournament ever staged, begins this week with a historic kickoff that promises to be like nothing the sport has ever seen. However, for the first time, three host nations- Mexico, the United States and Canada will each hold their own opening ceremony before their teams take the pitch, starting with a spectacular showcase in the legendary Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11. The 2026 tournament is officially underway, with the opening match kicking off at 8:00 PM local time (2:00 AM GMT on June 12) when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa, a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener. But the first whistle won't come without a celebration worthy of the occasion. Here's everything you need to know about the opening ceremonies, the full schedule and what makes this World Cup unlike any edition that has come before.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The opening match takes place on Thursday, June 11, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with kickoff at 8:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT / 2:00 PM ET). The match is between Mexico and South Africa.

Who is performing at the opening ceremony, and what song are they singing?

Moreover, the Mexico City opening ceremony is headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy, who will perform "Dai Dai", the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian phrase means "let's go" or "come on." Additional performers include J Balvin and Tyla. Separate star‑studded ceremonies will also take place in Los Angeles and Toronto before the US and Canada's opening matches.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup, and how long will the tournament last?

The 2026 edition is the first to feature 48 teams (up from 32), competing in 104 matches (up from 64). The tournament runs from Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, July 19, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The Opening Match: Countries, Date, Time and Venue

Nevertheless, the tournament curtain‑raiser will see Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT / 2:00 PM ET). Estadio Azteca, the legendary venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, will become the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches. This opening fixture holds special meaning; it is the first match of an expanded 48‑team tournament, the largest World Cup in history, with Mexico and South Africa first meeting in the 2010 opener on African soil 16 years ago.

Opening Ceremony: Shakira and Burna Boy Perform "Dai Dai"

Before the first ball is kicked, Mexico City will host the first of three opening ceremonies. The festivities begin at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, starting 90 minutes before kickoff at 1:30 PM ET (11:30 AM local time / 6:30 PM GMT). However, global superstars Shakira and Burna Boy will headline the Mexico City ceremony, performing the tournament's official song, "Dai Dai." Nevertheless, the song, an Italian phrase meaning "let's go" or "come on", was unveiled earlier this year as the official anthem of the 2026 World Cup. Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and South African singer Tyla will also join them on stage.

Shakira, widely considered one of the artists most closely associated with the World Cup, previously performed "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. FIFA has also confirmed that Shakira will co‑headline the halftime show at the World Cup final alongside Madonna and BTS. The ceremony will showcase Mexican culture through indigenous performances, contemporary folkloric acts and the traditional art of papel picado, celebrating the host nation's rich heritage.

Two More Opening Ceremonies in the US and Canada

In a historic first, the 2026 World Cup will feature three opening ceremonies, one in each host nation.

1. United States – Los Angeles (Friday, June 12)

At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the second opening ceremony will take place on Friday, June 12, beginning 90 minutes before the US men's national team's Group D match against Paraguay. The event will feature a star‑studded lineup: Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa (of Blackpink), Rema and Tyla are all set to perform. Additionally, the FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the Los Angeles ceremony "a reflection of the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become," noting that the lineup reflects the cultural diversity of the United States.

2. Canada – Toronto (Friday, June 12)

Nevertheless, the third opening ceremony takes place at Toronto's BMO Field on Friday, June 12, before Canada's Group B match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Canadian talent will take centre stage, with Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince performing.

Tournament Schedule at a Glance

Additionally, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, July 19, lasting 39 days of action across 16 host cities in North America.

i. Group Stage: June 11 – June 28

ii. Round of 32: June 29 – July 3

iii. Round of 16: July 4 – July 7

iv. Quarter‑finals: July 10 – July 11

v. Semi‑finals: July 14 – July 15

vi. Final: Sunday, July 19

However, the tournament will conclude with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York metropolitan area), with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 GMT.

Key Tournament Details: What Makes 2026 Different?

1. 48 Teams, 104 Matches, One Winner: For the first time in World Cup history, 48 nations will compete, up from 32 in previous editions. Additionally, this expansion increases the total number of matches from 64 to 104. The group stage features 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two from each group advancing to a new Round of 32, followed by the traditional knockout rounds.

2. First‑Time Participants: Several nations are making their World Cup debuts in 2026, including Curaçao and Cape Verde. These debutants join a field that includes 10 African countries and eight Arab countries, marking a major milestone for global football representation.

3. Host Cities and Stadiums: Matches will be played across 16 stadiums in North America:

i. United States (11 venues): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Miami, New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle.

ii. México (3 venues): Mexico City (Estadio Azteca), Guadalajara, Monterrey.

iii. Canada (2 venues): Toronto, Vancouver

The largest venue is AT&T Stadium in Dallas with a capacity of 94,000, while the smallest is BMO Field in Toronto at 45,000 seats.

Wind Up

Furthermore, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than a football tournament; it is a celebration of global unity, cultural diversity and the beautiful game at its grandest scale. With a historic three‑nation opening, a record 48 teams competing and 104 matches spanning North America, this edition promises to be unforgettable. Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 11, 2026 being today, when Shakira, Burna Boy and a host of global stars kick off the festivities before Mexico and South Africa write the first chapter of this expanded World Cup story. Whether you are watching from the stands, a local pub or your living room, the beautiful game has never looked bigger.