FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony Live: When and Where to Watch in India

For the first time in the history of the tournament, the FIFA World Cup will not open with a single ceremony in one city. It opens with three – spread across two days, two time zones and three nations, each bearing their own cultural imprint. Welcome to the most ambitious football curtain raiser ever.

Mexico City, June 11: Where it all begins

The first ceremony takes place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the stage takes place 90 minutes before kick-off. A country that needs no introduction. It will become the first stadium in history to host World Cup matches in three different tournaments, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986. Pel lifted the trophy here. So is Maradona.

The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. Mexico City time — 11:30 p.m. IST on June 11 — with the Mexico vs. South Africa match kicking off at 1:00 p.m. CST.

Shakira headlines with Nigerian singer Burna Boy and performs her official tour single “Dai Dai” live for the first time. It is her fourth World Cup appearance – and first at the opening ceremony since South Africa in 2010, when she also performed at the 2014 closing ceremony in Rio. The full lineup also includes Alejandro Fernndez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Man and Tyla.

Toronto, June 12: Canada’s mosaic moment

Canada’s opening ceremony takes place on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto at 1:30 PM ET, which is 11:00 PM IST on June 12, before Canada’s opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The main characters in the line-up are Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette, Canada is also represented by Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi and William Prince. French singer Vegedream, Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy and Palestinian pop singer Elyanna close the show. For Indian fans, the inclusion of Nora Fatehi in the Toronto ceremony gives a special appeal – the Indo-Canadian performer is among the most recognized names in world dance music.

Los Angeles, June 12: Hollywood concludes the trilogy

The US ceremony at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium begins 90 minutes before their match against Paraguay, which starts at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET – meaning the ceremony starts at 4:30 PM PT, which is 5:00 AM IST on June 13. Jason Sudeikis – best known for his role as an American football coach navigating English football in Ted Lasso – serves as an ambassador for the occasion.

Katy Perry headlines the show, joined by Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla. Country duo Dan + Shay will perform the American national anthem.

Where to watch in India

All matches will be televised live on Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment’s newly launched sports network, with live streaming available on the Zee5 app. Selected matches, including all games from the quarter-finals onwards, will also be telecast on DD Sports. Zee5 subscription required for live streaming.

“Starting in Mexico City and continuing in the coming days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and soccer in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Football starts tonight. He already has the spectacle.

– The end

Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

11 Jun 2026 14:32 IST