Three opening ceremonies set to launch historic World Cup

FIFA also unveils 18-track lineup for the Official World Cup Album, featuring diverse range of artists and unexpected

MEXICO CITY:

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to break new ground even before a ball is kicked, with organisers staging three separate opening ceremonies across the tournament's co-host nations in what is being billed as the largest opening celebration in the competition's history.

For the first time since the World Cup began in 1930, there will not be a single opening ceremony preceding the first match. Instead, festivities began on Thursday at Mexico City's Banorte Stadium before the opening match, while two additional ceremonies are scheduled simultaneously on Friday (today) at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and BMO Field in Toronto.

The unprecedented approach reflects the expanded scale of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. FIFA officials say the three ceremonies are designed to showcase the unique cultural identities of the host nations while emphasising the unity of the global football event.

Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy have joined the entertainment line-up and will perform the official World Cup song, 'Dai Dai'. South African singer Tyla is expected to appear at ceremonies in both Mexico and the US, while Bangladeshi-born DJ Sanjoy will perform in Toronto.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the ceremonies would blend music, culture and football in a way that highlights both national individuality and international togetherness. FIFA said the ceremonies will include a 360-degree immersive presentation, giant national flags and on-pitch displays designed to involve spectators.

FIFA has also unveiled the complete 18-track lineup for the 'Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album', making it the largest music project the tournament has ever produced. The album is now available for pre-save on streaming platforms.

The album, which brings together artists from across continents, languages, and genres, is full of unexpected collaborations, with tracks like 'Goals' by Lisa, Anitta, and Rema, and 'Three Nations' by 21 Savage, Nata Cano, and French Montana.

It also includes 'No Place Like Home' by Major Lazer, Nelly Furtado, and Davido, 'Show Me' by Ayra Starr and Latto, 'Blessings' by Stormzy, Fridayy, and Angel, 'Echo' by Daddy Yankee and Shenseea, and 'Dai Dai' by Shakira and Burna Boy.

The expanded tournament is also introducing innovations that could reshape the commercial landscape of international football. FIFA has mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half of all 104 matches, citing player welfare concerns amid expected high temperatures across host cities.

The stoppages are expected to create additional advertising opportunities for broadcasters and further align the World Cup with the commercial model used in major American sports leagues. The July 19 final will also feature a halftime show led by Shakira, drawing comparisons with the National Football League's Super Bowl entertainment format.

Sports industry analysts believe the combination of additional broadcast inventory and a record 48-team tournament could boost the value of future media rights. FIFA projects total revenue of $8.9 billion from the 2026 cycle, with television broadcasting rights accounting for 44% of the total.

(REUTERS WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)