Nigerian Singer Rema, Others Booked As World Cup To Hold Trio Star-Studded Opening Ceremonies
Adedokun Waliyu
2 min read
Nigerian singer and songwriter Rema will join other global acts as the 2026 World Cup will feature three opening ceremonies, with each of the host countries — Mexico, the United States, and Canada — staging its own celebration.
Other global music stars including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, and Lisa will also feature, FIFA confirmed.
Mexico will get the celebrations underway 90 minutes before the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at Azteca Stadium, temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament.
The ceremony will feature Colombian superstar J Balvin, Mexican rock band Maná, and singer Alejandro Fernández, son of legendary ranchero singer Vicente Fernández.
Mexico’s pop star Belinda and singer-songwriter Lila Downs will also perform, alongside South African singer Tyla and Los Angeles Azules, known for their traditional Mexican cumbia music.
“The world will share this moment, and that’s how this tournament will begin,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
“Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with 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,” he added.
Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the host nation’s opening match on June 12 in Toronto, with performers including Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, and Nora Fatehi.
Organisers said the show would take viewers on “a journey across Canada” through performances reflecting the country from coast to coast.
Later the same day, the United States will begin their campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, where pop star Katy Perry will headline another major sports entertainment event after previously performing at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2015.
She will be joined by rapper Future, Lisa of Blackpink, Brazilian singer Anitta, Rema, and Tyla, with more artists expected to be announced.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” Infantino said.
“The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment, and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country.”
Other performers announced include Venezuelan reggaeton star Danny Ocean and Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy.
Organisers also said fans would have an “active role to play” in the ceremonies and encouraged supporters to arrive early.
“Across time zones and borders, the celebrations are united by one central idea: a shared heartbeat,” FIFA’s statement added.
AFP
