Balich Wonder Studio will produce the opening ceremony programme for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico City on 11 June, together with opening ceremonies in the US and Canada.

The Milan-based live entertainment company is serving as creative production partner for the opening ceremonies across the three host nations, marking the first time the event has commenced with three ceremonies.

The Mexico City event will begin 90 minutes before kick-off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and will launch the expanded 48-team tournament.

It will be followed by an opening celebration at Los Angeles Stadium on 12 June, featuring performances from acts including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla. On the same day in Canada, Canadian singer-songwriters Buble and Morisette will headline an opening ceremony at BMO Field in Toronto.

FIFA said the Mexico ceremony will centre on Mexican cultural themes through music, dance and visual performance, with the creative concept drawing on papel picado, the traditional decorative folk art associated with Mexican celebrations. The programme will also feature indigenous performers and contemporary folkloric artists.

The line-up for the ceremony includes Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.

Mexico will host the opening match of the tournament, with the national team scheduled to face South Africa. The venue will become the first stadium to stage matches across three FIFA World Cups.

FIFA said the Mexico City ceremony forms part of a connected three-country opening programme that will continue in Toronto and Los Angeles during the opening days of the tournament. The 2026 edition will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities and conclude on 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.

“The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a statement.

“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.”

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