FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony Time in India: When and where to watch US, Canada, Mexico live streamings, performers list
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule PDF in India Time (IST): Check all fixtures, dates and kick-off times
The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest World Cup ever held. FIFA’s opening celebrations are designed to reflect the identity of each host country while also bringing together fans across continents through a common football festival.
Mexico will host the first opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The first ceremony will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa.
For viewers in India, the ceremony is scheduled to begin at 23:00 IST on Thursday, approximately 90 minutes before kick-off. FIFA expects the event to last approximately 16 minutes and 30 seconds.
How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony Live Stream in India
Indian viewers will be able to watch the opening ceremony live on Unite8 Sports television channels including Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
The event will also be livestreamed via Zee5’s website and mobile app.
Canada and the USA will host their own ceremonies
FIFA’s multi-country opening plan will continue in the coming days.
Toronto’s ceremony in Canada will feature performances by Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Michael Bublé, Jessie Reyez, Elyanna, Vegedream, William Prince, Nora Fatehi and Sanjoy.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles will stage the United States ceremony before the USA’s opening match against Paraguay, and FIFA has promised a production inspired by Hollywood-style entertainment.
Worldwide opening ceremony timings
mexico opening ceremony
- India: 11 June 22:30 IST
- United Kingdom: 11 June 18:00 BST
- USA (ET): June 11 at 1pm ET
- Brazil: 11 June, 14:00 BRT
- Saudi Arabia: 11 June 20:30 AST
Canada opening ceremony
- India: 12 June 23:00 IST
- United Kingdom: 12 June 18:30 BST
- USA (ET): June 12 13:30 ET
- Brazil: 12 June 14:30 BRT
- Saudi Arabia: 12 June 21:00 AST
United States inauguration ceremony
- India: 13 June 05:00 IST
- United Kingdom: 13 June 00:30 (BST)
- USA (ET): June 12 at 19:30 ET
- Brazil: 12 June 20.30 BRT
- Saudi Arabia: 13 June 03:00 AST
The FIFA 2026 World Cup, where football, music and entertainment come together in three countries, aims to create a global spectacle even before the first ball of the tournament is kicked.
FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony Artists list: Shakira and Burna Boy to perform official World Cup song
One of the biggest events of the night will be the first live performance of “Dai Dai”, the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The show will be directed by Shakira and Nigerian music star Burna Boy. The lineup also includes Colombian singer J Balvin, South African artist Tyla, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules and legendary Mexican band Maná.
FIFA also confirmed that Ryan Castro will also join J Balvin during the show.
Adding a touch of Hollywood glamor, actor Salma Hayek Pinault will attend the ceremony as one of the ambassadors of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Special performances were planned before the match
The opening celebration will also include performances associated with the teams participating in the tournament opener.
Alejandro Fernández will sing Mexico’s national anthem, while Tyla will sing South Africa’s national anthem before the match starts.
