2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony: Live Performances, Start Times and More

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup began on June 12, 2026, with an opening ceremony in Mexico City featuring performances by Shakira, Andrea Bocelli, and Salma Hayek, according to AP News. The tournament is officially underway, as reported by The New York Times, with opening match action including a fixture between Canada and Bosnia.

The event marks the start of the global competition across North America. While AP News focused on the primary stars in Mexico City, The Independent reported that Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette also performed during the festivities preceding the Canada vs. Bosnia match.

Who performed at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?

Shakira, Andrea Bocelli, and Salma Hayek performed at the ceremony in Mexico City, according to AP News. These artists led the official kick-start of the tournament.

Additional performances took place during the match proceedings. The Independent reported that Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette performed before the match between Canada and Bosnia.

Which teams played the opening matches?

Canada faced Bosnia in one of the tournament’s opening fixtures, according to The Independent. This match followed the live performances by Bublé and Morissette.

The New York Times confirmed that the World Cup is officially underway following these initial events. The tournament’s start coincides with the June 12, 2026, schedule.

Why are fans discussing Shakira’s performance?

Some spectators have questioned the authenticity of the live performance. According to Yahoo, fans expressed convictions on social media that Shakira used a body double during the opening ceremony.

This contrast in reporting shows a divide between the official event coverage and fan reception. AP News highlighted the performance as a key part of the ceremony’s success, while Yahoo focused on the viewer skepticism regarding the artist’s presence.

How can viewers watch the 2026 World Cup?

FOX Sports provided guidance on start times and viewing options for the opening ceremonies and matches on June 12, 2026. The network served as a primary source for scheduling and broadcast information for the event’s launch.