FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Full Schedule, Artists, Venues, IST Schedules & How to Watch Live in India on Zee5 & more related news here

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the FIFA World Cup will not begin with a single ceremony in a single city. It will open with three, spread over two days, two time zones and three nations, each with its own cultural footprint. Welcome to the most ambitious premiere that football has ever seen.

Mexico City, June 11: Where it all begins

The first ceremony will take place at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the stage prepared 90 minutes before kickoff. A land that needs no introduction. It will become the first stadium in history to host World Cup matches in three different tournaments, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986. Pel lifted the trophy here. Maradona too.

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The ceremony begins at 11:00 am Mexico City local time (11:30 pm IST on June 11) with the Mexico vs South Africa match kicking off at 1:00 pm CST.

Shakira headlines alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy, performing her official tournament single “Dai Dai” live for the first time. This is her fourth appearance at the World Cup, and her first at an opening ceremony since South Africa in 2010, having also performed at the 2014 closing ceremony in Rio. The full lineup also includes Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Man and Tyla.

Toronto, June 12: Canada’s mosaic moment

Canada’s opening ceremony will take place on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto at 1:30 pm ET, which is 11:00 pm IST on June 12, ahead of Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The lineup features Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette as headliners, with Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi and William Prince also representing Canada. French singer Vegedream, Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy and Palestinian pop singer Elyanna complete the show. For Indian fans, the inclusion of Nora Fatehi gives the Toronto ceremony a particular appeal: the Indo-Canadian performer is among the most recognized names in global dance music.

Los Angeles, June 12: Hollywood closes the trilogy

The USA ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles begins 90 minutes before their match against Paraguay, which begins at 6:00 pm PT / 9:00 pm ET, meaning the ceremony begins at 4:30 pm PT, which is 5:00 am IST on June 13. Jason Sudeikis, best known for his role as an American football coach navigating English football in Ted Lasso, serves as ambassador for the occasion.

Katy Perry headlines the show, accompanied by Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla. Country duo Dan + Shay will perform the American national anthem.

Where to watch in India

All matches will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment’s newly launched sports network, with live streaming available on the Zee5 app. Some matches, including all matches from the quarterfinals onwards, will also be broadcast on DD Sports. Zee5 subscription is required for live streaming.

“Starting in Mexico City and continuing in the coming 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,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Football starts tonight. The show already has.

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