2026 FIFA World Cup kick‑off events staged in Brazil, Mexico, Canada and the US

Local celebrations have begun ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In Curitiba, Brazil, a street was painted in the national colors with the slogan “Rumo ao Hexa”, and shops, markets and venues are displaying flags and banners. Bars, restaurants and a large screen at Shopping Estação are set to broadcast Brazil’s group‑stage matches against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

Across the three host nations, FIFA has organized separate opening‑ceremony shows. Mexico’s ceremony at Estadio Azteca will precede the Mexico‑South Africa match and feature artists such as Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin and Shakira. Canada’s BMO Field will host Canada‑Bosnia & Herzegovina with performances by Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé and others. In the United States, the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will open with the United States‑Paraguay game and a lineup that includes Katy Perry and Anitta. Simultaneous countdown events are planned in Mexico City, Los Angeles and Toronto, and special Independence‑Day celebrations are scheduled for Houston and Philadelphia during the round‑of‑16 stage.