Toronto’s FIFA World Cup kickoff is just days away, and while all eyes are on the players and tournament schedules, the star-studded opening ceremony is also getting a lot of love, too.
The opening ceremony takes place 90 minutes before kickoff on Friday, June 12, when Canada takes the field against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium, marking the first FIFA World Cup match played by the Canadian Men’s National Team on home soil. Fans will be treated to a star-studded opening ceremony featuring some major Canadian talent, including legendary rock singer Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Jessie Reyez and Mississauga-born singer-songwriter Alessia Cara, as well as a lineup of global artists, including Elyanna, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince!
In Canada, the production will come to life through a reimagining of the World Cup Trophy as a sort of mosaic, with the countdown unfolding as a journey across Canada. The ceremony will feature moments that reflect the country from coast to coast to coast, symbolizing the cultures and communities that define it.
“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, noting that through these unforgettable performances, the tournament will welcome the world with a celebration that is “uniquely Canadian” while also connecting 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.”
Fans at the stadium will also have an active role to play, so make sure to arrive early if you’ve scored some tickets! Gates will open four hours ahead of the start of the match, offering a full suite of experiences, including exclusive activations and pre-match entertainment.
Of course, if you don’t have tickets, you can watch the opening ceremony from one of the city’s many watch parties or, even better, head to community-based World Cup celebrations to cheer on teams from across the globe!
