Pop sensation Katy Perry will headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, according to a Billboard report.
The global sporting event, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to kick off with spectacular celebrations featuring several internationally renowned music stars.
FIFA recently released the list of performers who will take part in the ceremonies before the opening matches of the tournament across the host countries. Perry is expected to perform at SoFi Stadium on June 12 before the United States takes on Paraguay in one of the opening games of the tournament.
Katy Perry confirms the performance on Instagram
Perry also confirmed the announcement via her Instagram account and shared her excitement with fans.
“I’m kicking my feet because I’m performing at the @fifaworldcup 2026 opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12th! Stay tuned for more info – don’t let this be #TheOneThatGotAway,” she wrote.
The singer’s announcement quickly sparked excitement online as fans anticipated a big live performance from the Grammy-nominated artist known for chart-topping hits like Firework, Roar and Teenage Dream.
Game lineup with stars
Aside from Katy Perry, the FIFA entertainment lineup reportedly includes several global music stars from various genres and regions.
Artists set to perform during the opening celebration include Future, Lisa of K-pop group Blackpink, Tyla, Anitta, Rema and DJ Sanjoy.
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Meanwhile, Alejandro Fernández, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Belinda, J Balvin and popular Mexican bands Los Ángeles Azules and Maná will perform at the opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11 – ahead of the Mexico v South Africa match.
The ceremony is expected to combine football, music and cultural performances as FIFA prepares for the biggest edition of the World Cup in history.
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Shakira returns to the FIFA scene
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also mark Shakira’s return to the world football stage almost a decade after her iconic FIFA anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) became one of the most recognizable World Cup songs ever.
Shakira recently announced a new song called Dai Dai for the tournament.
On Thursday, the singer shared a preview video filmed at the Maracanã Stadium and revealed that the full track will be released on the 14th.
The song also features Burna Boy, adding another important international collaboration to the tournament’s music line-up.
Shakira’s 2010 anthem Waka Waka became a massive global hit during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, topping several Billboard charts. Even years later, the song remains closely associated with football celebrations around the world.
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The biggest soccer world cup of all time
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 and will be the first to be co-hosted by three countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament will also become the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, with 48 teams competing in 104 matches.
While the opening match will be held in Mexico City, the final is scheduled for New Jersey.
With football and entertainment coming together on a massive scale, FIFA seems to be building the 2026 edition not just as a sporting spectacle, but as one of the biggest global entertainment events of the decade.
