The most anticipated day for soccer fans has arrived. The historic 2026 World Cup, jointly organized by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, kicks off this Thursday, June 11 with a grand celebration that promises to blend the cultural richness of the three nations with world-class musical performances.
The legendary Estadio Azteca (officially named Estadio Ciudad de México for the tournament) is the stage for this opening ceremony, right before the debut match between Mexico and South Africa.
Inaugural Ceremony Schedule
FIFA has scheduled the opening event approximately an hour and a half before the first match’s kickoff. Here are the exact times based on your location:
- Mexico (Mexico City): 11:30 AM (The match starts at 1:00 PM) www.olympics.com
- Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Panama: 12:30 PM (The match starts at 2:00 PM) www.eltiempo.com
- Miami (U.S.), Chile, Venezuela, and Bolivia: 1:30 PM (The match starts at 3:00 PM) www.infobae.com
- Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay: 2:30 PM (The match starts at 4:00 PM)
- Spain: 7:30 PM (The match starts at 9:00 PM)
Confirmed Artists and Musical Show
FIFA has prepared a massive musical lineup that isn’t limited to Estadio Azteca, as this edition features shared venues and simultaneous concerts over the first few days:
- Official Anthem: Performed by iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, alongside emerging artist EJAE and the electronic beats of renowned French DJ David Guetta.
- Latin and Regional Block (Mexico Venue): The opening and side events will feature the talents of J Balvin, Alejandro Fernández, Maná, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, and Los Ángeles Azules.
- Canada Venue (Friday, June 12 in Toronto): The show will include local and international talent such as Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, and Jessie Reyez. www.el1digital.com.ar
- United States Venue (Saturday, June 13 in Los Angeles): The opening concert series will conclude with stellar performances by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA (from Blackpink), and Rema.
Where to Watch the Live Broadcast
Depending on your country, you can follow the broadcast on free-to-air TV, cable, and digital platforms (some with completely free streaming options):
🇲🇽 Mexico
- Television: TelevisaUnivision (TUDN) and TV Azteca (Channel 7). www.infobae.com
- Streaming / Online: Azteca Deportes app (free) and ViX.
🇨🇴 Colombia
- Television: Caracol TV (Gol Caracol) and RCN TV. www.noticiascaracol.com
- Streaming / Online: Official YouTube channels of Caracol and RCN (with free broadcasts of key matches), and DSports / DGO. www.lanacion.com.ar
🇦🇷 Argentina
- Television: Telefé, TyC Sports, and DSports.
- Streaming / Online: Mi Telefe, TyC Sports Play, and the DGO and Disney+ Premium platforms. www.lanacion.com.ar
🇵🇪 Peru
- Television: América TV and DSports.
- Streaming / Online: América Deportes YouTube channel (program Desvelados por el Mundial available for free), DGO, and Disney+ Premium.
🇺🇸 United States
- Television and Streaming: FOX Sports (English) and Telemundo / Universo / Peacock (Spanish).
🇪🇸 Spain
- Free-to-Air Television: La 1 de RTVE.
- Streaming: RTVE Play (free) and full coverage via DAZN. as.com
Coverage Note: For all of Latin America, the cable channel DSports and its streaming platform DGO will have full rights to broadcast both the ceremonies and all 104 matches of the tournament.
Image: ElHispanoParaTodos/PRESS
