For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies, divided across the host nations of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2026 World Cup is officially ready to make history. For the very first time, the tournament will feature an expanded field of 48 teams competing across three co-host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Along with a completely revamped format—which introduces a high-stakes Round of 32 knockout stage immediately following the group stage—the tournament will debut another historic first: three distinct opening ceremonies. Rather than a single celebration, a unique kickoff spectacle will take place ahead of the first home match in each host country, with Mexico starting the event at the Estadio Azteca. According to The Athletic, Mexico’s opening festivities will start 90 minutes before kickoff and are expected to run for approximately 16 minutes. Following the initial curtain-raiser, Canada will host its own ceremony at Toronto Stadium on Friday, June 12, which is projected to be slightly shorter at around 13 minutes. Later that same evening, the United States will cap off the opening spectacles with its own 13-minute ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium. The world’s game reaches its biggest stage in the USA 🇺🇸 The United States takes centre stage as football, music, and culture ignite the #FIFAWorldCup 🏆🎶🎆— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 9, 2026 Mexico’s opening ceremony Mexico shoulders the honor of staging the tournament’s primary opening ceremony right before El Tri faces off against South Africa in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2018 tournament opener. Actress Salma Hayek will serve as the master of ceremonies, welcoming the world and introducing a massive multi-genre, international musical showcase. Following the main production, and just before the players take the pitch, Alejandro Fernandez will perform Mexico’s national anthem, while Tyla will sing the national anthem for South Africa. Artist lineup: ShakiraAlejandro FernándezBurna BoyBelindaDanny OceanJ BalvinRyan CastroLila DownsLos Ángeles AzulesManáTylaAndrea BocelliEJAE Two more stars are joining the lineup for the opening ceremony in Mexico City! Andrea Bocelli and EJAE are ready for the global stage 🎶— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 10, 2026 Canada’s opening ceremony Following Thursday’s big kickoff, Canada takes center stage on Friday evening to host the second opening showcase just before Les Rouges take on Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Toronto Stadium in their Group B opener. Actor Will Arnett will host the festivities, introducing a highly diverse list of performers. Before the game starts, Alanis Morissette will perform Canada’s national anthem, while Aleksandar Gajic will sing the national anthem for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Artist lineup: Alanis MorissetteMichael BubléAleksandar GajićAlessia CaraElyannaJessie ReyezNora FatehiVegedreamWilliam PrinceDJ SanjoyThe BeachesBryan Adams The Toronto lineup just turned up the volume. 🎸@thebeaches joins Bryan Adams, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, AHI and Wyclef Jean at the FIFA Countdown Concert, in collaboration with the @recordingacad📅 June 10🎟️ Get your tickets now 📺 Watch live on TikTok— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 8, 2026 USA’s opening ceremony The final opening ceremony will also take place on Friday night, setting the stage just before the USMNT kicks off its World Cup campaign against Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in a Group D clash. Actor Jason Sudeikis will host the final star-studded show, which features a punchy lineup of pop and hip-hop stars. The musical duo Purahéi Soul will perform the national anthem for Paraguay, while country-pop duo Dan + Shay will sing the U.S. national anthem. Artist lineup: Katy PerryFutureTylaAnittaLISARemaDan + ShayPurahei SoulBIAMajor LazerDavido
On this episode of Soccer North, we break down Canada's upcoming World Cup game against Bosnia and Herzegovina and discuss what Jesse Marsch and the Canadian men's national team need to accomplish before the tournament begins. Plus, Canadian star Olivia Smith joins the show to reflect on her historic first season with Arsenal.
Canada addressed the injury suffered by Alphonso Davies just over a month before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Alarm bells rang in Canada on Friday after it was confirmed that Alphonso Davies suffered an injury while playing for Bayern Munich. The issue will require several weeks of recovery, putting his return date dangerously close to the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Alphonso Davies suffered a muscle injury in his left hamstring during Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, as confirmed by an examination by the FC Bayern medical unit,” the German side announced in a statement published on its official website on Friday. The left-back had started the match against PSG on the bench and entered in the 67th minute in place of Josip Stanisic. Shortly after coming on, he assisted Harry Kane for Bayern Munich’s equalizer, although it was not enough to prevent elimination. During his nearly half-hour on the field, Davies also picked up the injury that has now sidelined him. “The Canada international will therefore be out of action for several weeks,” the statement added. While that does not provide an exact timetable for Davies’ return, it does offer some indication of what could happen in the near future. Alphonso Davies suffered a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh during the semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain and will therefore be out for several weeks.We wish you a speedy recovery, Phonzy ❤️🩹🔗 https://t.co/BqawKk0wvr pic.twitter.com/fq2n6VNMXT— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) May 8, 2026 Bayern Munich still have two Bundesliga matches remaining this season, although they carry little significance with the title already secured. The situation is different for the May 23 clash against Stuttgart, where Bayern will compete for the DFB-Pokal title. However, it seems difficult to imagine Davies being fully recovered in time for that match. Canada respond to Alphonso Davies injury News of Davies’ injury resonated not only in Germany, but naturally in Canada as well. “We’re behind you, Captain,” began the message shared by the national team Friday on its official X account. “We are in close contact with Alphonso and remain in touch with Bayern’s medical team following his recent setback.” We’re behind you, Captain 🇨🇦We are in close contact with Alphonso and remain in touch with Bayern’s medical team following his recent setback. Our focus is on supporting his recovery and providing every available resource, including specialized soft tissue expertise, to give… pic.twitter.com/XGPpKsorSP— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) May 8, 2026 Regarding the next steps, Canada explained: “Our focus is on supporting his recovery and providing every available resource, including specialized soft tissue expertise, to give him the best possible pathway back to full fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup.” Canada will open their 2026 World Cup campaign on Friday, June 12, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first Group B match at BMO Field in Toronto. That gives Alphonso Davies more than a month to regain full fitness and arrive at the tournament in optimal condition.
