Maná, Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda will be part of the lineup gracing the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Banorte) on June 11, the FIFA announced on Friday (May 8) on its social media channels.
Joining the star-studded lineup are Mexican-American singer-songwriter Lila Downs, Venezuelan star Danny Ocean and South African artist Tyla.
“The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it,” reads the post, which was also shared by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“Mexico will kick-off an unprecedented Opening Ceremony with a celebration full of sound, colour, and meaning,” it adds. “It is the first note in a tournament that will echo across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, united by a shared passion for the game that connects millions worldwide.”
The statement highlights that after the start in Mexico City and continuing in the following days in Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies “will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament. It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration.”
Organizers noted that each opening ceremony will begin 90 minutes before the kickoff of the match, starting in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, at 11:30 a.m. local time. Gates will open four hours before the opening whistle, offering a full set of experiences including exclusive activations and rewards leading up to the game.
Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, in a stadium that will go down in history as the first to host three FIFA World Cups. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 104 matches in 16 host cities, starting on June 11 in Mexico City and concluding on July 19 in New York at the MetLife Stadium, which has been rebranded for the event as the New York New Jersey Stadium.
