FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off tonight: Opening ceremonies, match schedule, where to watch

The curtain rises on the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup within hours, as three co-host nations �" the United States, Mexico, and Canada �" prepare to stage separate opening ceremonies across three consecutive days, launching what promises to be the largest football tournament in history.

Opening Ceremony and First Match: Mexico, Thursday 11 June

The opening ceremony and the tournament’s first match are both scheduled at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The opening ceremony will begin at 11:00 PM Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), with the inaugural match,  Mexico vs South Africa, kicking off at 1:00AM BST on June 12. Following a format last used at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the ceremony is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before the opening match.

What to expect in Mexico’s ceremony: The event will celebrate Mexico’s indigenous culture, folk heritage, and the traditional Papel Picado art form �" an intricate paper-cutting craft emblematic of Mexican cultural identity.
Performers confirmed for Mexico: Pop star Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Maná, Belinda, Danny Ocean, and Lila Downs are scheduled to perform on stage.


Opening Ceremony: Canada, Friday June 12

Canada will host its opening ceremony at Toronto Stadium, beginning at 11:30 PM BST on Friday 12 June, running for 90 minutes. Canada’s opening World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina is scheduled for 1:00 AM BST on Saturday 13 June.
Performers confirmed for Canada: Nora Fatehi, Michael Bublé, Jessie Reyez, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Eliana, and Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy are among the confirmed performers.

Opening Ceremony: United States, Saturday June 13

The United States will stage its opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium at 5:30AM BST on Saturday 13 June, also lasting 90 minutes. The host nation will then face Paraguay in their opening match at 7:00 AM BST.
Format of US ceremony: The Los Angeles event will feature a technology-driven large-scale visual presentation, with a narrative-based stage production incorporating elaborate lighting and colour displays.
Performers confirmed for the US: American pop star Katy Perry, rapper Future, Brazilian singer Anitta, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Nigeria’s Rema, and Tyla are among those set to perform.

Where to Watch in Bangladesh
BTV and T Sports are airing the tournament.
Viewers opting for digital platforms can stream all matches via Toffee, My Robi, and Bioscope.

Opening Match Squads
Mexico Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa, Raúl Rangel
Defenders: Edson Álvarez, Mateo Chávez, Jesús Gallardo, César Montes, Israel Reyes, Jorge Sánchez, Johan Vásquez
Midfielders: Luis Chávez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo, Orbelín Pineda, Obed Vargas
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Giménez, Armando González, César Huerta, Raúl Jiménez, Guillermo Martínez, Julián Quiñones, Alexis Vega

South Africa  Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aimé Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Kamogelo Sebelebele
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphelele Sithole
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Chepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Ikram Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko