Recommendations of the Editorial team
It starts on Thursday (June 11th). World Cup 2026 in Mexico, Canada and the USA with the game between Mexico and South Africa. Kick-off is at 9 p.m. Before the first ball of the tournament rolls at 9 p.m. German time, there is another pompous one in the legendary Aztec Stadium (Estadio Azteca) in Mexico City Opening ceremony. It not only sets the multicultural framework for the World Cup, but also offers musical added value.
The opening ceremony in Mexico begins at 7:30 p.m. German time. The event will be shown before the event by ZDF (also in the stream at sportstudio.de, in the ZDF media library and on ZDF via Joyn) and by Magenta TV. The broadcast begins at 5:45 p.m. on ZDF.
There will also be an opening ceremony for Canada (June 12, 7:30 p.m., Toronto) and for the USA (June 13, 1:30 a.m., Los Angeles live). Only highlights can be seen on public broadcasters; the shows are only broadcast live on Magenta TV. The motto of the celebrations: “Three Nations, One Celebration”.
Opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup: These musicians will perform
The focus of the musical part of the opening ceremony in Mexico City is of course Latin music. So it’s no surprise that Shakira and Burna Boy are there. However, Madonna will also do the honors. Additional appearances include Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules, Lila Downs, J Balvin and Danny Ocean Tyla.
Things are a little more classic and more pop in Toronto. The first World Cup in the country will be inaugurated by Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Elyanna, Vegedream, William Prince, Nora Fatehi and Sanjoy. Canada will then play against Bosnia-Herzegovina (9 p.m.).
Los Angeles is reportedly going for a “high energy” show. Whatever that means, it’s no surprise that Katie Perry leads the line-up (although as Justin Trudeau’s partner she would be more suited to Canada). Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla are on stage with her. Once the stage has been removed from the pitch, the USA can play against Paraguay (3 o’clock).