The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a tournament filled with firsts.

For the first time in history, the World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies across the tournament’s three host nations. The competition will also embrace a distinctly American tradition, with the championship match set to include the first halftime show ever staged at a FIFA World Cup final.

Each host country, the United States, Mexico and Canada, will hold its own opening ceremony. The first took place at Mexico City’s Estadio Ciudad de México yesterday before the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa.

Artists performing at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Canada

Canada’s opening ceremony is scheduled for June 12 and will take place at Toronto Stadium at 1:30 p.m. ET. The co-hosts first game of the tournament against Bosnia and Herzegovina follows at 3 p.m.

Confirmed performers in Canada

• Alanis Morissette
• Alessia Cara
• Elyanna
• Jessie Reyez
• Michael Bublé
• Nora Fatehi
• Sanjoy
• Vegedream
• William Prince

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Toronto: times and how to watch

Friday, June 12 at 1:30 p.m. ET at BMO Field, Toronto. Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina follows at 3 p.m. ET.

All three ceremonies will be broadcast in the United States on FOX and Fox Sports 1. Spanish-language broadcasts will also be available on Telemundo and Universo.

Confirmed artists for the 2026 World Cup final halftime show

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will make history as the first championship match to feature a halftime show.

FIFA and Global Citizen announced in May that Madonna, Shakira and BTS will headline the historic performance during the World Cup final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The addition of a halftime show reflects FIFA’s effort to bring elements of major American sporting events to the world’s biggest soccer tournament, creating another landmark moment in what is already shaping up to be one of the most unique World Cups ever staged.

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