By Yomi Kuku, Toronto Canada
FIFA World Cup 2026 organisers have unveiled a blockbuster entertainment lineup for Canada’s opening ceremony, with global music stars set to headline a spectacular celebration in Toronto ahead of the country’s historic first men’s World Cup match on home soil.
The ceremony will take place at Toronto Stadium on Friday, 12 June, beginning 90 minutes before kick-off as Canada officially welcomes the world to football’s biggest tournament.
FIFA confirmed that performers will include Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Elyanna, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince.
Tournament officials said the show will celebrate Canada’s multicultural identity and showcase the unifying power of football through music, art and storytelling connected to communities across the country.
A central feature of the ceremony will be a mosaic-inspired reinterpretation of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, symbolising Canada’s cultural diversity and national unity as the country prepares for one of the biggest sporting moments in its history.
The production is being developed in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the creative company behind several major global sporting ceremonies.
Gianni Infantino described the event as a defining moment for Canada on the global stage.
“The opening ceremony in Toronto will be a powerful reflection of Canada’s identity and the energy surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino said.
FIFA added that supporters inside the stadium will play an active role in the celebration, with gates opening four hours before kick-off to allow fans access to pre-match entertainment, activations and interactive experiences.
Canada will begin its World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in what will be the first FIFA World Cup match played by the Canadian men’s national team on home soil.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico, making it the largest edition of the tournament in FIFA history.