World Cup opening ceremony UK times and performers for all THREE events

Shakira loves a World Cup (Picture: Getty Images)

The biggest World Cup ever does not just have one opening ceremony, but it has three!

Seen as there are three host nations for this summer’s tournament, each one will produce an opening ceremony to see in the event.

All three will be ahead of the home country’s first group stage match, over the first couple of days of the tournament.

Mexico get the opening ceremony bonanza underway, followed by Canada and then USA will look to round them off in some style.

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Some of the biggest musical acts in the world will be performing, along with some lesser-known performers taking to a huge stage.

The first match of the World Cup kicks off at 8pm UK time on Thursday as Mexico take on South Africa, with the first ceremony ahead of that contest.

The Estadio Azteca will be a spectacular setting for it.

Mexico opening ceremony

Shakira with FIFA president Gianni Infantino (Picture: Getty Images)

Date and UK time : Thursday June 11 at 6.30pm

Venue : Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of Mexico vs South Africa

Performers : The headline acts are Shakira and Burna Boy as they perform the official World Cup song, Dai Dai.

We’re Ready! The official video for DAI DAI, the FIFA World Cup Official 2026 song is here! ⚽️🐺 @burnaboy https://t.co/8beSisvEF2

A big thank you to Leo Messi, Mbappé, Luis Díaz, Vinícius Jr, Rodri, Takefusa Kubo, Santiago Giménez, Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, Christian… pic.twitter.com/vbNJY8CniO

— Shakira (@shakira) May 23, 2026

They are not alone, though, with other acts involved, including: Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.

How to watch in the UK : The Mexican ceremony is being shown on ITV.

Canada opening ceremony

Alanis Morissette will star at the Canadian opening ceremony (Picture: Getty Images)

Date and UK time: Friday June 12 at 6.30pm

Venue: BMO Field in Toronto ahead of Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Performers: Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette are the biggest names on the bill, with Alessia Cara also involved.

Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy and William Prince are also performing, as are Elyanna and Vegedream.

How to watch in the UK : The Canadian ceremony will be on the BBC.

USA opening ceremony

Katy Perry will be putting on a show in LA (Picture: Getty Images)

Date and UK time: Saturday June 13 at 12.30am (June 12 at 4.30pm local time).

Venue: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles ahead of USA vs Paraguay

Performers: Katy Perry is the biggest star, joined by Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla.

How to watch in the UK : The BBC will be showing the US ceremony.

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