Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe 2026 World Cup will officially get underway on Thursday.Mexico City Stadium hosts the opening World Cup game between its co-hosts and South Africa that kicks off a summer tournament unlike any other in North America.For the first time in history, 64 teams will fight it out across 104 matches in their attempt to be crowned as international football's best of the best.World Cup opening ceremony details confirmed The first day of this World Cup begins with the opening ceremony taking place 90 minutes before the Group A clash between Mexico and South Africa.Kick off at 6.30pm UK time, a host of star names are headlining with Shakira and Burna Boy leading the way with a performance of the tournament's anthem Dai Dai. You may like FIFA 2026 World Cup opening ceremony: Date, time, location and event plans as Mexico play host How to watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams online and for FREE, with both sides hoping to make a strong start to their World Cup campaigns Azteca, Atmosphere and Altitude: Things to look out for in 2026 World Cup's opening game between Mexico and South Africa Mexican-born film star Salma Hayek will also be making an appearance as a World Cup ambassador while Ryan Castro joins J Balvin on the pitch as part of the spectacle.ITV1 will be broadcasting the entire ceremony from 6.15pm followed by uninterrupted coverage of El Tri's encounter with the Bafana Bafana, who were the 2010 hosts.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.A further two opening ceremonies are set to take place in the World Cup's opening days with the United States and Canada putting on their own bespoke shows.Canada's clash with Bosnia and Herezegovina on 12 June will be prefaced by a show from homegrown stars including Michael Buble, Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette.Attention will then turn to Los Angeles, where the USA face Paraguay on 13 June, when Katy Perry will perform alongside rapper Future and a host of international acts.The choice of Mexico City Stadium as the World Cup's opening game is symbolic as it was the flagship venue when the country hosted the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.It was the setting for both finals, won by Brazil and Argentina respectively, and will host five matches in this year's iteration including one of the Round of 16 encounters.Outside of major tournaments, it is the home to Liga MX side Club America.TOPICSMexicoUSACanadaRichard Buxton
