The 2026 World Cup is shaping up less like a soccer tournament and more like a very expensive global music festival. Per the New York Times, FIFA is planning star-studded opening ceremonies for each host nation’s first match this summer, which will feature Katy Perry, Future, LISA from BLACKPINK, Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, J Balvin, Anitta and Mexican rock royalty Maná.
Mexico gets the first kick on June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa at Estadio Azteca. FIFA has reportedly lined up a heavyweight domestic bill featuring Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda and cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules, alongside South African pop breakout Tyla.
Canada’s opener the following day in Toronto reportedly leans into national pride with Canadian mainstays Bublé, Morissette and Alessia Cara expected to perform before Canada takes on Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Hours after that match, the U.S. men’s national team opens against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with Perry reportedly set to headline and LISA also performing. FIFA has also recruited Future, Los Angeles-based DJ Sanjoy, and Paraguayan singer Marilina Bogado.
Per the Times, FIFA has also assembled a rotating pool of international talent including Balvin, Anitta, Danny Ocean, Elyanna and French hitmaker Vegedream, along with Canadian-connected artists Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi and William Prince.
The ceremonies themselves are reportedly scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kickoff, with FIFA hoping fans actually get to their seats before the action starts. Beyond the music, FIFA is also planning July 4 tributes tied to America’s 250th anniversary during Round of 16 matches in Philadelphia and Houston. Exactly how the organization intends to fuse patriotic pageantry with a global soccer tournament remains unclear.
