FIFA has issued a new announcement regarding this year’s World Cup. The sport’s governing body stated yesterday, Friday, that for this edition of the tournament, separate opening ceremonies will be organized in each of the three host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the United States—prior to the kickoff of their respective first matches.
Featuring 48 teams, this historic and largest-ever World Cup is set to commence on June 11 in Mexico City. In a post on the social media platform X, FIFA announced that the opening ceremony in Mexico City will feature a performance by the popular, Grammy-winning Mexican pop band ‘Maná.’ Joining them on stage will be Mexican folk and pop singers Alejandro Fernández and Belinda.
The concert in Mexico City is designed to specifically highlight the country’s rich culture. FIFA noted that the opening ceremony there will feature performances by indigenous Mexican artists as well as contemporary folk musicians.
On June 12, host nation Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto for their first group-stage match. Prior to the game, Canadian stars Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, and William Prince will perform. The event will also feature Los Angeles-based DJ Sanjoy, an American of Bangladeshi descent. FIFA stated that this concert in Toronto will present the “World Cup trophy in a new form—a mosaic design that reflects Canada’s diversity and communal harmony.”
On the same day, the United States will take the field against Paraguay in Los Angeles. The opening ceremony preceding this match will feature American pop superstar Katy Perry as the main attraction. She will be joined by popular Atlanta-based rapper Future (Nayvadius Wilburn). The lineup also includes Anitta, Lisa, Rema, and Tyla.
Regarding the U.S. concert, FIFA stated that the event has been curated to showcase the magnitude, mission, and cultural impact of the World Cup through a spectacular celebration. This marks the second time that the World Cup is being jointly hosted by multiple countries. Previously, in 2002, South Korea and Japan jointly hosted the tournament. On that occasion, the opening ceremony was held in South Korea.
