FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony: What Time Does It Start and Which Channel Will Broadcast It?

The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7:20 p.m. French time and will be broadcast live in the clear on M6. It will be followed by a short pre-match segment and then the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at 8:50 p.m.

The 2026 World Cup is a historic edition because it will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 national teams, expanding the format and making it the largest World Cup in history. The main opening ceremony will be held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a stadium that will become the first in history to host three World Cup opening matches, after doing so in 1970 and 1986.

FIFA has also introduced a new concept for this edition: three opening ceremonies, one in each host country, to highlight the trinational nature of the tournament and celebrate all three nations involved in organizing the event.

For the main ceremony in Mexico, FIFA has officially confirmed a strong lineup of international and Latin American stars. The announced performers include Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla. FIFA has also said that Shakira and Burna Boy will perform “Dai Dai” for the first time, one of the official songs of the 2026 World Cup.

The ceremonies planned in the United States and Canada are also expected to feature major names. In Los Angeles, reports from specialist media and sources close to the organization indicate possible appearances by Katy Perry, Future, LISA, Anitta, Rema, and DJ Sanjoy. In Canada, the expected artists include Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, and Alessia Cara.

However, there is an important distinction between the lineups. The artists announced for Mexico have been officially confirmed by FIFA, while the names associated with the American and Canadian ceremonies are based on media reports and insider information, and some details could still change before kickoff.

With its expanded format, multiple host nations, and a mix of global superstars, the 2026 World Cup opening events are designed to reflect the scale and international spirit of this unique tournament.