Key Takeaways

• Opening Ceremony: The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada commenced with a vibrant ceremony featuring notable Canadian artists.
• Star Performers: Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé were among the headliners at the Toronto Stadium event.
• National Anthems: The ceremony included performances of both the Canadian and Bosnian national anthems.
• Global Celebration: The festivities highlighted Canada’s culture while connecting to the larger World Cup narrative across North America.

Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé and others helped kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada.

The star-studded opening ceremony took place Friday (June 12) at Toronto Stadium ahead of team Canada’s tournament opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Alessia Cara launched the festivities with a spirited performance of her 2016 song “Wild Things,” singing from inside a giant gold-outlined soccer ball. The opening number also featured numerous dancers waving flags and carrying artwork inspired by Canadian wildlife.

From there, singer Nora Fatehi, DJ Sanjoy and rapper Vegedream took the stage to perform “Siir,” a track from the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album. Elyanna and Jessie Reyez later teamed up for a performance of another song from the project, “Illuminate.”

Morissette then delivered a stirring rendition of the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada,” while violinist Aleksandar Gajić performed the national anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bublé closed out the ceremony alongside the Sole Power Choir with a rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home to Me.”

“The opening ceremony in Toronto will be a powerful reflection of Canada’s identity and the energy surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

“Through music, culture and unforgettable performances, we will welcome the world with a celebration that is uniquely Canadian while also connected to a larger story unfolding across Mexico and the United States. It will be a moment of pride, unity and anticipation as Canada takes its place on football’s biggest stage.”

Later on Friday, Katy Perry, LISA, Anitta, Tyla, Rema, Future, Dan + Shay and more headlined the 2026 FIFA World Cup USA Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles.

One day earlier, Shakira and Burna Boy performed their World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” at Estadio Ciudad de México. Maná, J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules and Tyla were also part of the spectacular show.