The 2026 World Cup, which kicks off this Thursday (11), introduces a series of significant innovations that promise to redefine the tournament. For the first time in history, the championship will be hosted by three nations United States, Mexico and Canada and will feature the peculiarity of three distinct opening ceremonies, celebrating the expansion and unprecedented format of the competition.
A new era of global football celebrations
This edition of the World Cup marks an unprecedented moment, not only because of the record number of host countries, but because of the decision to fragment the traditional opening ceremony into three grandiose events. This decentralized approach reflects the vast scale of the tournament, which now hosts more teams and spreads across an extensive geography, promoting deeper cultural immersion in each host nation and elevating the experience for fans across the American continent.
Mexico opens festivities at the Azteca Stadium
The 2026 World Cup festivities officially begin in Mexico, in Mexico City, with a ceremony scheduled for 2:30 pm (Brasília time). The event precedes the opening match of the World Cup between the Mexican team and South Africa, at the historic Azteca Stadium.
- Alejandro Fernández
- Belinda
- Danny Ocean
- J Balvin
- Lila Downs
- Los Ángeles Azules
- Manna
- Tyla
In addition, Shakira and Burna Boy will perform the official song of the tournament.
Canada hosts its own party in Toronto
One day after the start in Mexico, it will be Canada’s turn to host its opening ceremony in Toronto. The stage will be BMO Field, with the event scheduled for an hour and a half before the clash between the Canadian team and Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled for 4 pm (Brasília time).
- Alanis Morissette
- Alessia Cara
- Elyanna
- Jessie Reyez
- Michael Buble
- Nora Fatehi
- Sanjoy
- Vegedream
- William Prince
United States ends triple round with event in Los Angeles
The series of opening celebrations concludes on Friday (12) in the United States, with a show at SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles. The ceremony will begin an hour and a half before the United States team’s debut against Paraguay, which takes place at 10 pm (Brasília time).
- Katy Perry
- Future
- Lisa
- Rema
- Tyla
- Anitta (representing Brazil)
Brazil’s games in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup
The Brazilian team already has its path mapped out in the first phase of the tournament, with three commitments defined on North American soil:
- Brazil x Morocco— 1st round: June 13th (Saturday), at 7pm Brasília (6pm local time), at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey-New York, United States.
- Brazil x Haiti— 2nd round: June 19 (Friday), at 9:30 pm Brasília (8:30 pm local time), at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium, in Philadelphia, United States.
- Scotland x Brazil— 3rd round: June 24th (Wednesday), at 7pm Brasília (6pm local time), at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami, United States.
If Brazil advances as leader of Group F, the team will guarantee its stay in the United States for the round of 16, where it will face the second place in Group F, which includes teams such as the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and Sweden.
