The forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to feature a series of large-scale cultural and musical performances across the three host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organisers have planned separate opening ceremonies in each country, combining international stars with regional performers to reflect the diverse cultural identity of the tournament.
One of the headline opening events will take place at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, ahead of the United States national team’s first match of the tournament. The event is expected to feature performances by American pop singer Katy Perry and South Korean music star Lisa.
Joining them on stage will be Bangladeshi-American DJ DJ Sanjoy. Reacting to the announcement, Sanjoy described the opportunity to perform at one of the world’s largest sporting events as a significant milestone in his career.
Sanjoy has built an international reputation through his work across South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. He has also been recognised by international media outlets as one of the prominent South Asian figures in electronic music.
Main Performers at Opening Events
| Host Country | Venue | Principal Performers |
|---|---|---|
| United States | SoFi Stadium | Katy Perry, Lisa, DJ Sanjoy |
| Canada | Toronto | Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara |
| Mexico | Estadio Azteca | Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda |
Mexico’s opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on 11 June at Estadio Azteca before the host nation’s match against South Africa. Canada will also stage a separate musical presentation in Toronto ahead of its opening fixture.
According to the organisers’ plans, the ceremonies in all three host countries will begin approximately 90 minutes before kick-off. The Mexican programme is expected to last around 16 minutes and 30 seconds, while the events in the United States and Canada are planned to run for approximately 13 minutes each.
FIFA stated that the multi-country format of the tournament has encouraged organisers to highlight distinct cultural traditions and musical styles from each host nation. The ceremonies are expected to feature artists representing different regions and musical backgrounds, underlining the global nature of the competition.