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Which stars FIFA has lined up for the three World Cup opening ceremonies
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- Which stars FIFA has lined up for the three World Cup opening ceremonies
Photo by Gus Stewart/Redferns
FIFA is planning a different kind of World Cup opening in 2026.
According to The Athletic, the tournament is set to have three opening ceremonies, with one staged at each debut game involving the three host nations.
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That means Mexico , Canada and the United States are each expected to get their own major entertainment moment before their first match.
The stars expected at each World Cup opening ceremony
Photo by John Nacion/Billboard via Getty Images
The Athletic also reports that Mexico's opening ceremony is expected to feature the rock band Mana, the Los Angeles Azules group and singers Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda and the South African sensation Tyla.
That ceremony will come before Mexico face South Africa at Estadio Azteca on 11 June.
Canada's first match is scheduled for 12 June against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, where Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara are expected to feature.
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The United States also begin their campaign on 12 June, against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Popstar Katy Perry is expected to headline that ceremony, with rapper Future, DJ Sanjoy, Lisa, from Blackpink, and Paraguayan singer Marilina Bogado also lined up.
It gives FIFA three separate launch points across North America with line-ups crowded with star power.
FIFA still has more artists signed for World Cup plans
The report claims that FIFA has signed several other performers for the tournament, although it remains unclear when and where some will appear.
That wider list includes Anitta, Danny Ocean, Elyanna, J Balvin and other names.
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FIFA is also planning special ceremonies on 4 July in Houston and Philadelphia to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Those plans suggest FIFA has embraced the entertainment-driven atmosphere so common in American sports, making it a key part of the 2026 World Cup's identity.
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