The 2026 World Cup will hold its first official celebrations starting this Thursday. Mexico hosts the opening ceremony before the opening game against South Africa. The musical attractions bring together names from several countries in Latin America and Africa. Live broadcasts reach millions of Brazilians through different channels.
The tournament begins with three opening events distributed among the host countries. The program includes shows and the kickoff of the competition with 48 teams. Organizers highlight the cultural diversity of the presentations.
Ceremony in Mexico opens the tournament with regional artists
The first ceremony takes place on June 11th, Thursday, at 2:30 pm Brasília time. The event precedes the Mexico x South Africa game, scheduled for 4pm at the Banorte Stadium, in Mexico City.
Alejandro Fernández, Belinda Peregrín, Lila Downs, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Tyla, Los Ángeles Azules and Maná take the stage. The repertoire mixes Mexican, Colombian and South African rhythms. The production seeks to represent the union of the people involved in the World Cup.
The stadium must welcome fans early to take advantage of pre-game activations. FIFA plans a party that connects football with local traditions. Broadcast teams prepare full coverage from the start of the ceremony.
- Alejandro Fernández opens the show with classic Mexican ballads
- J Balvin brings urban rhythms that dominate the Latin charts
- Tyla represents South Africa with a fusion of pop and traditional dances
- Maná and Los Ángeles Azules close with collective energy
- Belinda and Lila Downs add striking female voices
Event in Canada keeps the momentum going the next day
On June 12th, Friday, Canada will also hold its ceremony at 2:30 pm Brasília. BMO Field, in Toronto, welcomes the public before the clash between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina, at 4pm.
Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, William Prince, Elyanna, Sanjoy and Vegedream make up the list of artists. The lineup highlights Canadian talent alongside international guests. The cultural mix reinforces the global nature of the competition.
The production in Canada focuses on performances that engage with the local public. Broadcasts capture both the spectacle and the reaction from the stands. The following game marks the home team’s debut in Group B.
United States closes openings with global stars
Also on Friday, June 12, Los Angeles will host the third ceremony starting at 8:30 pm Brasília time. The SoFi Stadium sets the stage for the United States x Paraguay, at 10pm, in Group D.
Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla once again lead the attractions. Brazilian Anitta represents the country in the great North American party. The event takes place in the world entertainment capital and must have high visual production.
Fans get open gates in advance for interactive experiences. FIFA coordinates the three events to create anticipation over two days. The sequence reinforces the unprecedented format of shared headquarters.
Broadcast guarantees broad access for the Brazilian public
Globo and SBT share broadcasting on open TV. SporTV covers it on closed TV. In streaming, Globoplay, CazéTV on YouTube and GE TV carry the full signal. Coverage begins before the shows and continues until kickoff.
CazéTV stands out for its free and interactive digital transmission. Teams of narrators and commentators occupy strategic positions in the stadiums. Digital platforms prepare lives and extra content during the ceremonies.
- Globo broadcasts the three ceremonies on open TV
- SBT also shows the main events live
- SporTV offers option for pay TV subscribers
- Globoplay and CazéTV release internet access
- GE TV adds analysis and behind-the-scenes
Preparations involve logistics in three countries
FIFA and local committees have adjusted times for different zones. Mexico is three hours behind Brasilia, while Los Angeles is four hours behind. Production teams travel between headquarters to maintain high standards.
Technical tests have taken place in recent weeks. Security and urban mobility teams work in coordination with local authorities. The objective is to deliver safe and memorable experiences for those in the stadiums and for those watching from home.
Artists rehearse for months to synchronize performances with special effects. The official opening marks the beginning of a tournament that lasts until July 19th. Brazil enters the field days later, but the initial celebration already mobilizes the entire country.
The sequence of events in three venues highlights the continental nature of the 2026 World Cup. Each ceremony carries its own identity, but they all converge on the kickoff of the competition. Broadcasts unite Brazilian fans live from the first minute.