MECICO CITY: The historic FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, officially kicks off today with an expanded pool of 48 nations.

Blending football with global entertainment, the opening ceremonies across the three host nations will feature high-profile performances from international icons.

The festivities begin Thursday night at Mexico’s iconic Azteca Stadium, headlined by pop sensation Shakira alongside J Balvin, Ryan Castro, and Hollywood actress Salma Hayek Pinault welcoming fans worldwide.

Following this, a 90-minute grand celebration in Los Angeles, USA, will showcase global music stars like Katy Perry, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, and Tyla, highlighting cultural diversity and the global power of music.

Meanwhile, Canada’s opening stage will feature Bollywood’s “dance queen” Nora Fatehi—who previously starred in the Qatar World Cup anthem—performing alongside acclaimed artists Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Michael Bublé, and William Prince.

Amidst the musical glamour, the tournament’s opening action will see host nation Mexico face South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, followed by a Group A clash between the Czechia and South Korea, captained by MLS-based star Son Heung-min.