The opening celebrations of the upcoming FIFA World Cup are set to feature an unexpected yet inspiring presence from Bangladesh, as Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy prepares to take the global stage alongside some of the world’s biggest music icons. The performance, scheduled ahead of the United States’ opening fixture against Paraguay on 11 June at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, marks a significant milestone in his international career.
Organised jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico—the co-hosts of the tournament—the World Cup will feature separate opening ceremonies across multiple venues. FIFA has curated a diverse line-up of artists from different regions, reflecting the global spirit of the tournament. Among them is DJ Sanjoy, who will represent South Asian musical talent on one of the world’s most-watched cultural stages.
He will share the platform with global superstars including Katy Perry and LISA, making the event one of the most high-profile entertainment line-ups in recent World Cup history.
Key details of the opening performance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony |
| Date | 11 June |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| Match | United States vs Paraguay |
| Featured artists | DJ Sanjoy, Katy Perry, LISA |
| Organisers | FIFA with co-host nations USA, Canada, Mexico |
Speaking about the opportunity, Sanjoy described the moment as “unbelievable,” revealing that he was contacted by FIFA only two weeks earlier. He expressed deep gratitude for the chance to perform on such a prestigious stage, adding that it represented not only a personal achievement but also a moment of pride for Bangladesh and South Asian diaspora communities worldwide.
Born in Srimangal in Sylhet and raised partly in Chattogram’s Love Lane area before moving to the United States, Sanjoy’s journey has been shaped by migration, cultural blending and family resilience. He moved to Silicon Valley with his parents at a young age, where they initially worked multiple jobs to support the family.
Recalling his upbringing, he said his passion for music was deeply influenced by his mother and grandmother, both of whom were singers. His early exposure to music at home, including playing tabla while his mother sang, laid the foundation for his artistic path.
Despite completing his studies, Sanjoy chose an uncertain but creative career in music. He acknowledged the challenges of the industry, particularly its financial instability, but emphasised his determination to promote Bangladeshi culture on the global stage.
He also expressed a strong desire to showcase Bengali music internationally and even hinted at aspirations of working in Bangladeshi cinema. A self-confessed admirer of actor Shakib Khan, he hopes to collaborate with him in the future.
Sanjoy’s growing reputation has already earned him recognition across South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. The New York Times has previously described him as one of the most prominent South Asian electronic music artists globally.
As anticipation builds for the World Cup opening ceremony, Sanjoy sees the moment as just the beginning. His message to supporters back home is simple: continued love and encouragement, which he believes will help Bangladeshi artists achieve even greater global recognition.