The 2026 FIFA World Cup will commence with the opening match between hosts Mexico and South Africa. The Group A fixture is scheduled to take place on Thursday (11 June) at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Prior to the match, the same venue will host a grand opening ceremony marking the start of the tournament.
The opening ceremony will feature international musical performances. Colombian pop star Shakira is set to perform alongside Nigerian Afrobeat artist Burna Boy, jointly presenting the tournament’s official theme song, “Dai Dai”. The event will also include performances by J Balvin and members of the well-known Mexican pop-rock band Maná. The ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 pm Bangladesh time.
This opening fixture brings back memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when South Africa and Mexico also met in the tournament’s opening match in Johannesburg. That game ended in a 1–1 draw. Sixteen years later, the two sides meet again in the opening match, this time in Mexico’s home stadium.
Mexico enter the match with a strong defensive record. Experienced goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will feature in a record sixth World Cup appearance. The team, combining experienced and younger players, has kept opponents from scoring in six of their last eight matches.
South Africa, meanwhile, are recognised for their quick counter-attacking style. The team has scored in each of their last nine World Cup matches, reflecting consistency in their attacking output.
The opening celebrations are not limited to Mexico. As part of the joint hosting arrangement between Mexico, Canada, and the United States, additional opening ceremonies will take place across all three countries.
Opening Ceremonies and Match Schedule
| Country | Venue | Local Event Time (Bangladesh Time) | Featured Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | 11:30 pm (11 June) | Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Maná members |
| Canada | BMO Field, Toronto | 11:30 pm (12 June) | Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara |
| United States | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 5:30 am (13 June) | Katy Perry, Lisa, Future, Anitta |
In Canada, the second opening ceremony will be staged at BMO Field in Toronto, featuring Canadian and international artists including Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, and Alessia Cara. The final opening ceremony will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where prominent global performers including Katy Perry, Lisa of Blackpink, Future, and Anitta are scheduled to appear.
Together with the opening match in Mexico City, these ceremonies across three host nations mark the official start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.