The FIFA World Cup 2026 will officially begin on Thursday night with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match of the tournament. Before the first game starts, fans around the world will enjoy a grand opening ceremony at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The World Cup is being hosted by three countries for the first time in history. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly stage the tournament. A total of 48 teams will compete across 104 matches over the next few weeks.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 Opening Ceremony to Feature Global Music Stars
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM IST. The event will take place around 90 minutes before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
International music superstar Shakira will be one of the biggest attractions of the ceremony. She is expected to perform in front of thousands of fans at the stadium and millions watching around the world.
Several other famous artists will also take part in the celebrations. The list includes Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, J Balvin, and Tyla. Their performances are expected to bring energy and excitement to the opening night of the tournament.
Other artists scheduled to appear include Mexican rock band Mana, singer Lila Downs, Venezuelan performer Danny Ocean, and cumbia group Los Angeles Azules.
Fans in India can watch the ceremony live on UNITE8 Sports and DD Sports. The live streaming will also be available on Zee5.
The opening ceremony will mark the start of one of the biggest sporting events in the world. With music, entertainment, and football coming together, FIFA hopes to deliver a memorable beginning to the 2026 World Cup. Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting for the celebrations to begin.
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