The 2026 Fifa World Cup will mark a historic first with three separate opening ceremonies across its host nations, but the announcement has been overshadowed by widespread backlash against headliner Katy Perry.
Fifa confirmed on Friday that Mexico, the United States and Canada will each host star-studded celebrations ahead of their respective opening matches, featuring global artists including Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin and Lisa.
Mexico to launch tournament with Latin stars
Mexico will launch the tournament 90 minutes before kickoff of the first match between Mexico and South Africa on 11 June at Azteca Stadium, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the competition. Colombian star J Balvin, multi-Grammy-award-winning Mexican rock band Maná and pop star Alejandro Fernández, son of legendary ranchero singer Vicente Fernández, will headline the Mexican ceremony.
Latino pop artist Belinda, singer-songwriter Lila Downs, South African artist Tyla and Los Angeles Azules, known for traditional Mexican cumbia, will also perform.
“The world will share this moment and that’s how this tournament will begin,” Fifa president Gianni Infantino said. “Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament.”
Canada promises coast-to-coast celebration
Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on 12 June, with performances by Morissette, Bublé, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez and Nora Fatehi. Organisers promise a “journey across Canada, as the countdown unfolds through moments that reflect the country from coast to coast”.
Perry to lead Los Angeles spectacle
Later the same day, the United States will open their campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Perry, who headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2015, will lead the ceremony alongside rapper Future, Lisa of K-pop group Blackpink, Brazilian artist Anitta, Rema and Tyla. Additional artists are still to be announced.
Venezuelan reggaeton star Danny Ocean and Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy will also feature across the ceremonies.
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Fans threaten boycott over controversial choice
However, Perry’s selection has triggered significant controversy. Following the announcement on 8 May, football fans took to social media questioning her suitability for the event, with many citing a perceived lack of current musical relevance and referencing past allegations of sexual assault.
A segment of the football community has threatened to boycott both the opening ceremony and the match. Despite the criticism, Fifa has not responded publicly or indicated any plans to change the line-up, and Perry has confirmed her participation via social media.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the Fifa World Cup 2026 will become,” Infantino said. “The line-up of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture.”
Organisers say fans will have an “active role to play” in the shows and have encouraged early arrival. “Across time zones and borders, the celebrations are united by one central idea: a shared heartbeat,” Fifa’s statement said.
The nearly six-week tournament represents the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three nations.
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