The FIFA World Cup returns to North America. Music. Lights. Big names. Fans across the world will be watching. The opening ceremony takes place in Mexico City. Right before the first match featuring Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
This is the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams. That makes this event even bigger. The ceremony will set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Energy. Culture. Football pride. All in one night.
Disclaimer: FIFA has not officially announced all details for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony. The information here includes confirmed tournament dates and insights from previous World Cups. We update this page immediately when FIFA releases new information. Our goal is to keep World Cup fans informed with accurate and current details. Check back regularly for updates.
Last Updated: 16/10/2025
When Is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?
The opening ceremony happens on Thursday, June 11, 2026. FIFA has not announced the exact start time yet. Based on traditional scheduling, the ceremony will likely begin around 6:00 PM Mexico City time.
It will take place just before the first game. That match features Mexico at their home stadium. Both the ceremony and game will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Expect a packed crowd. Expect excitement from start to finish.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Start Times by Country
The approximate start times will vary around the globe. Here is what to expect in major countries once FIFA confirms the official time.
| Country | Local Time | Date |
|---|---|---|
| USA (ET) | 7:00 PM | Thursday, June 11 |
| USA (PT) | 4:00 PM | Thursday, June 11 |
| Canada (ET/PT) | 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM | Thursday, June 11 |
| United Kingdom | 12:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Qatar | 2:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Australia (AEST) | 9:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| New Zealand | 11:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| India | 4:30 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Bangladesh | 5:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Malaysia | 7:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Singapore | 7:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Hong Kong | 7:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Japan | 8:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Mexico | 6:00 PM | Thursday, June 11 |
| Brazil | 8:00 PM | Thursday, June 11 |
| Argentina | 8:00 PM | Thursday, June 11 |
| Germany | 1:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| France | 1:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Spain | 1:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Italy | 1:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| South Africa | 1:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| UAE | 2:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Indonesia | 6:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Nigeria | 12:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| China | 7:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
| South Korea | 8:00 AM | Friday, June 12 |
Where Is the Opening Ceremony Happening?
The opening ceremony will take place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This stadium is one of the most legendary venues in football history. It has hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986. Now it will host the biggest stage in international football once again.
It holds over 87,000 fans. The stadium sits at 7,200 feet above sea level. It’s iconic and built for passion. The perfect place to start the first 48 team FIFA World Cup. All eyes will be on Mexico City. And the world will be watching.
What Will We See at the Opening Ceremony?
FIFA has not released specific details about the ceremony program yet. Announcements will come in early 2026. The show will celebrate all three host nations. It will mix sport and culture in one place.
There will be live music. Bright lights. Drummers. Dancers. Flags from every nation. One special moment will stand out. All 48 team representatives will likely be honored on the field. Youth ambassadors might carry flags or national symbols to showcase global unity.
The crowd will feel the energy. Viewers at home will feel it too. This night will be more than just football. It will be a celebration of global pride. Mexican heritage takes center stage. American and Canadian culture blend into the mix. Technology like drone shows and projection mapping will create visual magic.
Who Will Perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?
FIFA has not announced the official performers yet. The show will feature a mix of rising stars and global names. Each artist brings a different sound and style. Together they will bring Mexico City to life.
Previous World Cup ceremonies featured megastars. Shakira performed in South Africa. Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull rocked Brazil. The 2026 lineup promises similar star power. Expect Mexican artists to play a major role. American and Canadian performers might join the celebration.
This lineup promises one thing. A stage full of rhythm, culture and global energy. FIFA will announce the official performers in the months leading up to June 2026.
Which Channels Will Broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?
Global broadcasting rights have been secured by major networks. FIFA signed deals with broadcasters around the world. Here is where you can watch in major markets.
- United States: FOX will broadcast in English. Telemundo provides Spanish language coverage. All 104 matches will air across FOX broadcast network and FS1.
- Canada: Bell Media owns the rights. Watch on CTV, TSN and RDS.
- United Kingdom: BBC and ITV share exclusive rights. Both channels offer free viewing.
- Australia: SBS holds exclusive broadcast rights for the tournament.
- Mexico: Televisa and TV Azteca will cover the event.
- Germany: MagentaTV broadcasts all matches.
- France: Groupe M6 secured free to air rights.
- India and Subcontinent: Viacom18 holds the rights. Stream on JioCinema.
- Middle East and North Africa: Al Jazeera and beIN SPORTS air the matches.
- Brazil: Globo provides coverage.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport broadcasts across the region.
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ holds the rights.
- Check your local broadcaster for specific channel information and schedules.
How to Live Stream FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?
United States: Peacock streams all 104 matches with Spanish language commentary. Peacock Premium costs $7.99 per month. English language viewers can access FOX Sports streaming through cable subscriptions or streaming services like YouTube TV, Fubo or Sling Blue.
United Kingdom: Watch on BBC iPlayer or ITV Hub. Both are live and free.
Australia: Stream via SBS On Demand for free.
Canada: Use TSN streaming platforms or CTV app with subscription.
India and Subcontinent: Stream on JioCinema app and website.
New Zealand: Watch live on Sky Sport NZ streaming platforms.
Mexico: Stream through Televisa and TV Azteca digital platforms.
Fans should visit their official broadcaster websites for legitimate streaming access. Always use official sources to avoid scams and poor quality streams. The Telemundo app offers Spanish language streaming for cable or streaming service subscribers in the United States.
When Is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony and Final?
The final match will happen on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That stadium holds over 82,000 fans. It will host the biggest match in world football.
The closing ceremony will take place before kickoff. It will feature live music and team celebrations. A proper sendoff to a global tournament. The ceremony honors the champions and celebrates the month long journey.
Who Will Perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show?
FIFA has confirmed the first official halftime show in World Cup history. Set for the final on July 19, 2026.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin and manager Phil Harvey will produce the show. They work with Global Citizen to select performing artists. Coldplay will not perform themselves. They curate the list of artists who will take the stage.
The performance will air live during halftime of the final match. Watch it on your official FIFA broadcast partner. The show supports a global fund for education. Over 2 billion viewers are expected to tune in worldwide.
FIFA will also take over Times Square in New York City during finals weekend. Live performances and viewing parties transform the iconic location into a World Cup celebration hub.
Normal halftime in football lasts 15 minutes. FIFA has not confirmed if the break will be extended for the show.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and Key Dates
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. That spans 39 days of non-stop football action.
Opening Matches:
- June 11: Mexico plays at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City
- June 12: Canada plays at BMO Field in Toronto
- June 12: United States plays at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
Tournament Stages:
- Group Stage: June 11-27, 2026 (72 matches)
- Round of 32: Late June 2026
- Round of 16: Early July 2026
- Quarterfinals: Mid July 2026
- Semifinals: July 2026
- Third Place Match: July 18, 2026 in Miami
- Final: July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
The tournament features 104 total matches. This is the most in World Cup history. You can check full schedule here.
The Official Draw:
The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw takes place on December 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET. The event happens at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Mexico goes into Group A. Canada takes Group B. The United States fills Group D.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities and Stadiums
The tournament takes place across 16 cities in three countries.
United States (11 cities): MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Texas, NRG Stadium in Houston, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Lumen Field in Seattle, Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, Gillette Stadium in Boston, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Mexico (3 cities): Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
Canada (2 cities): BMO Field in Toronto, BC Place in Vancouver.
AT&T Stadium in Texas will host the most matches with nine games. The United States hosts 78 matches total. Mexico and Canada each host 13 matches.
How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Match Tickets
The opening match on June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca will be one of the hottest tickets in the tournament. Here is what you need to know.
Ticket Prices: Opening match tickets start around $200 for upper level seats. Premium lower bowl seats can cost $2,000 or more.
How to Buy: Only purchase through FIFA’s official website at FIFA.com/tickets. Create your FIFA account now and register for notifications. This is the safest way to get legitimate tickets.
Ticket Categories:
- Category 1: Best views (highest price)
- Category 2: Great seats at moderate prices
- Category 3: Good seats at budget prices
- Category 4: Most affordable option
The Purchase Process: FIFA uses a lottery system for high demand matches. You apply during the ticket window. FIFA randomly selects winners. Selected fans get an email with their purchase date and time. You must buy within that timeframe or lose your chance.
Purchase Limits: You can buy up to 4 tickets for the opening match. High demand may limit this to 2 tickets per person.
Important Tips:
- Register early at FIFA.com/tickets
- Apply in every sales phase
- Keep your payment ready (Visa or Mastercard)
- Check your email often during sales periods
Critical Warning: Never buy from unauthorized ticket resellers. These sites charge extreme prices and may not deliver valid tickets. FIFA warns against these sellers. Use only FIFA’s official resale platform if you miss initial sales.
Hospitality Packages: Premium packages with opening match tickets start around $3,000 per person. These include VIP seating, lounge access and catering.
What You Get: Your ticket includes both the opening ceremony and the full match. Arrive early. Gates open 3 to 4 hours before kickoff. The ceremony starts about 30 minutes before the match.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams
Twenty eight teams have qualified so far. Twenty spots remain open.
Host Nations (Automatic): United States, Canada, Mexico
Qualified Teams: Argentina (defending champions), Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, England, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Algeria, South Africa, Cape Verde, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Jordan.
Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts. European playoffs in March 2026 determine the final qualifying teams.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony FAQs
What date does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start?
The tournament begins Thursday, June 11, 2026 with the opening ceremony and first match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
When is the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
The final takes place Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How many teams play in the 2026 World Cup?
Forty eight teams compete in the expanded tournament. This is 16 more than the traditional 32 team format.
Where can I watch the opening ceremony for free?
United Kingdom viewers can watch free on BBC iPlayer or ITV Hub. Australia streams free on SBS On Demand. United States viewers need cable or paid streaming services for English language coverage. Spanish language coverage on Peacock costs $7.99 per month.
How much do opening match tickets cost?
Opening match tickets at Estadio Azteca start around $200 for upper level seats and can exceed $2,000 for premium lower bowl seats. Prices vary by seating category and availability.
Which stadium hosts the opening match?
Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosts the opening match featuring Mexico on June 11, 2026.
Will there be a halftime show at the final?
Yes. The 2026 final features the first ever World Cup halftime show. Coldplay’s Chris Martin produces it with Global Citizen. Specific performers will be announced later.
How can I buy opening match tickets safely?
Only purchase through FIFA’s official website at FIFA.com/tickets. Register now for notifications. Avoid unofficial resale sites that charge extreme prices and may not deliver valid tickets.
How many matches will be played total?
The tournament features 104 matches. This is the most games ever played in a World Cup.
Has the United States hosted a World Cup before?
Yes. The United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup. That tournament set attendance records. The 2026 edition will be even bigger with 48 teams instead of 32.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts with more than just a match. It begins with a full night of music, pride and global energy. The opening ceremony brings together fans, cultures and nations from around the world. From Mexico City to Tokyo.
From Lagos to London. Millions will tune in. Some for the football. Others for the show. All for the same reason. Love for the game. Get ready. Watch it live. Celebrate the start of something big.