For the first time in the tournament’s history, the FIFA World Cup will not open with a single ceremony in a single city. It will open with three – spread across two days, two time zones and three nations, each carrying its own cultural fingerprint. Welcome to the most ambitious curtain-raiser football has ever staged.
Mexico City, 11 June: Where it all begins
The first ceremony is at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the stage set 90 minutes before kick-off. A ground that needs no introduction. It will become the first stadium in history to host World Cup matches across three different tournaments, having done so previously in 1970 and 1986. Pel lifted the trophy here. So did Maradona.
The ceremony begins at 11:00 AM local Mexico City time – 11:30 PM IST on 11 June – with kick-off for Mexico vs South Africa at 1:00 PM CST.
Shakira headlines with Nigerian singer Burna Boy, performing their official tournament single “Dai Dai” live for the first time. It marks her fourth World Cup appearance – and her first at an opening ceremony since South Africa in 2010, having also performed at the 2014 closing ceremony in Rio. The full lineup also includes Alejandro Fernndez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los ngeles Azules, Man and Tyla.
Toronto, 12 June: Canada’s mosaic moment
Canada’s opening ceremony takes place on 12 June at BMO Field in Toronto at 1:30 PM ET, which is 11:00 PM IST on 12 June, ahead of Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The lineup features Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette headlining, with Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi and William Prince also representing Canada. French singer Vegedream, Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy and Palestinian pop singer Elyanna round out the show. For Indian fans, Nora Fatehi’s inclusion gives the Toronto ceremony a particular pull – the Indo-Canadian performer is among the most recognised names in global dance music.
Los Angeles, 12 June: Hollywood closes the trilogy
The US ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles begins 90 minutes before their match against Paraguay, which kicks off at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET – meaning the ceremony starts at 4:30 PM PT, which is 5:00 AM IST on 13 June. Jason Sudeikis – best known for his role as an American football coach navigating English football in Ted Lasso – serves as ambassador for the occasion.
Katy Perry headlines the show, joined by Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla. Country duo Dan + Shay will perform the American national anthem.
Where to watch in India
All matches will be broadcast live on television on Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment’s newly launched sports network, with livestreaming available on the Zee5 app. Select matches, including all games from the quarter-finals onwards, will also air on DD Sports. A Zee5 subscription is required for livestreaming.
“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,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
The football starts tonight. The spectacle already has.
– Ends
