The 2026 FIFA World Cup might become the biggest tournament in soccer history, and the opening ceremonies across North America are matching that scale with a lineup packed with Latin music icons, global pop stars, and international hitmakers. With matches spread across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, FIFA is turning the tournament into a massive cultural celebration that reflects the sound of each host nation.
Fans can expect a mix of reggaetón, regional Mexican music, Afrobeats, pop, rock, and Latin fusion during the opening festivities. In addition to Shakira’s highly anticipated anthem, watchers and attendees can expect powerhouse performances by artists like J Balvin, Lisa, Katy Perry, and Michael Bublé.
Mexico’s Star-Studded Lineup
Mexico’s opening ceremony performances will lean heavily into Latin music royalty. Colombian reggaetón superstar J Balvin joins a lineup that includes Mexico’s best. Regional music icon Alejandro Fernández is expected to deliver one of the ceremony’s most emotional performances, while beloved cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules will bring their signature party atmosphere to the world stage.
Mexican pop star Belinda and Venezuelan hitmaker Danny Ocean are also part of the list, adding a pop and urban edge to the event. Meanwhile, South African breakout sensation Tyla introduces the Afropop influence. Rock legends Maná round out the Mexico celebration.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesThe United States Ceremony
The United States performances will deliver massive mainstream appeal with a lineup that includes BLACKPINK member and solo sensation Lisa, while Brazilian superstar Anitta continues her rise as one of Latin music’s biggest crossover acts.
Pop icon Katy Perry is set to add her signature stadium spectacle, and rapper Future brings Atlanta hip-hop to the global soccer stage.
© GothamThe combination of pop, rap, and Latin influences also mirrors the diversity of the U.S. audience and FIFA’s push to make the tournament feel culturally inclusive.
Canada’s Ceremony
Canada’s opening ceremony lineup focuses on internationally recognized Canadian artists with strong emotional appeal, like Jazz-pop favorite Michael Bublé, who is expected to deliver one of the ceremony’s classic vocal moments.
© WireImageGrammy-winning singer-songwriter Alessia Cara brings contemporary pop and R&B to the celebration, while alternative rock icon Alanis Morissette adds a legendary Canadian presence to the event.
Shakira Returns as the Queen of World Cup Anthems
No artist is more connected to FIFA World Cup music history than Shakira. The Colombian superstar is officially returning for the 2026 tournament with the official anthem “Dai Dai,” a collaboration with Nigerian global star Burna Boy.
Shakira recently teased the song on social media ahead of its May 14 release. The track marks yet another chapter in her long-running relationship with FIFA.
© Getty ImagesHer 2010 anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” remains one of the most successful World Cup songs ever released and still dominates football playlists around the world. She also performed “Hips Don’t Lie” during the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony and later delivered “Dare (La La La)” during the 2014 tournament celebrations.
With “Dai Dai,” Shakira becomes one of the few artists ever to lead multiple official FIFA World Cup music campaigns across different eras. The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies are clearly aiming to go far beyond soccer. FIFA is building a music experience that reflects the cultural identity of all three host nations while also appealing to younger global audiences through streaming-era superstars.
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