Nigerian Singer Rema, others booked as World Cup to hold trio star-studded opening ceremonies
Nigerian singer and songwriter, Rema, will join other global acts as the 2026 World Cup will feature a trilogy of opening ceremonies, with each of the host countries — Mexico, the United States, and Canada — getting its turn at a star-studded celebration.
Other global music stars, including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Buble, J Balvin, and Lisa, will feature, the world governing body FIFA confirmed on Friday. Mexico will get the party started, 90 minutes before the kickoff of the tournament’s first match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at Azteca Stadium, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament.
The show will feature Colombian megstar J Balvin, multi-Grammy-award-winning Mexican rock band Mana, and pop star Alejandro Fernandez, the son of legendary ranchero king Vicente Fernandez. Mexico’s Latino pop princess Belinda and singer-songwriter Lila Downs are on board, along with South African singer-songwriter Tyla and Los Angeles Azules, who play in the traditional Mexican cumbia style.
“The world will share this moment, and that’s how this tournament will begin,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
“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,” Infantino said. “It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration.”
