2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies

The ceremony in Mexico lasted around fifteen minutes and began with a showcase of indigenous Mexican dancers in various clothing as well as dancers dressed in silver and gold surrounding an inflated version of the World Cup trophy as messages of unity and diversity were announced. Following the opening, Maná performed "Oye Mi Amor" with the indigenous dancers surrounding the stage. Afterwards, Danny Ocean performed "Partidazo" surrounded by female dancers dressed in china poblana dresses. This was followed by Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda performing "Por Ella" surrounded by male dancers dressed in charro outfits and performing a stylized version of the jarabe with the female dancers. Two Labubus appeared holding a plush of the World Cup trophy followed by J Balvin and Ryan Castro performing a medley of songs including "Qué Calor", "Una a la Vez", and "I Like It", surrounded by dancers in suits matching the color scheme of the tournament. Shakira and Burna Boy closed the opening ceremony with a performance of the tournament's official song "Dai Dai" followed by flairs in the colors of the Mexican flag and a fireworks display.^[1][2] The ceremony was followed by the flag ceremony where all 48 flags of the participating teams were displayed and their names were announced in both English and Spanish. Andrea Bocelli and Ejae then performed the tournament's official anthem "DNA (More Than a Game)".

The ceremony in Canada lasted around fifteen minutes and began with William Price delivering a land acknowledgement as well as a welcome message highlighting the bridge between Indigenous Canadians and the diversity of Canadians followed with a performance of Indigenous Canadians dancers. Afterwards, Alessia Cara performed a medley of "Wild Things" and "Here" as dancers with maple leaf mosaics as well as a stylized moose, polar bear, and humpback whale surrounded the stage to highlight animals native to Canada. This was followed by Nora Fatehi, Vegedream, and Sanjoy performing "Siir Siir" and Jessie Reyez and Elyanna performing "Illuminate" as the inflated trophy was raised and additional dancers in red and white outfits surrounded the stage. Following this, the flag ceremony took place where the flags of all 48 participating teams were displayed and their names were read in both English and French. Following this, Michael Bublé and The Sole Power Choir performed a cover of "Bring It On Home to Me", and following the national anthems, a flyover was conducted by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.^[3][4]

The opening ceremony in the United States lasted around fifteen minutes and began with a costumed representation of George Washington and a drumline dressed in red and blue with a gold star as well as a speech highlighted the diversity, size, and principles of the United States as well as acknowledging the United States Semiquincentennial. Afterwards, Future and Tyla performed "Game Time" surrounded by dancers dressed in red, white, blue as well as gold.^[5] Afterwards Lisa, Anitta, and Rema performed "Goals" surrounded by dancers as well as landmarks of Los Angeles and other American cities. ^[6]Afterwards, the flag ceremony took place displaying the flags and reading the names of all 48 participating teams in English and was followed with a performance of "Wonder" by Katy Perry and Tius Luka. Finally, the national anthems were performed and a military flyover.^[7]

The list of songs performed were:

Unlike previous World Cups, the leaders of each host country did not attend their opening ceremonies for various reasons. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum gave her ticket away to a fan amidst the controversy with high ticket prices and protests against several of her policies, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney did not attend due to plans to head to the 52nd G7 summit in France, and American president Donald Trump did not attend due to plans and preparation surrounding UFC Freedom 250.

• President of FIFA – Gianni Infantino and all members of the FIFA Council
• President of Paraguay – Santiago Peña ^[8][9]
• United States Secretary of State – Marco Rubio ^[10]
  • United States Secretary of Transportation – Sean Duffy
  • United States Secretary of Homeland Security – Markwayne Mullin