Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has been named among a lineup of global music heavyweights set to headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
FIFA made the announcement on Saturday via its official communication channels, confirming that the ceremony in Los Angeles will feature performances from top international acts including Tyla, Future, Katy Perry, Anitta and Lisa.
According to FIFA, the 2026 tournament will, for the first time, feature three separate opening ceremonies across the host countries — the United States, Mexico and Canada. The ceremonies are scheduled to take place on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, and on June 12, 2026, in both Toronto and Los Angeles.
FIFA described the multi-city celebration as a “historic summer,” combining football, music and entertainment on an unprecedented scale. The Los Angeles event, which will hold 90 minutes before kick-off, is expected to deliver a high-energy spectacle featuring live performances, immersive storytelling and large-scale visual production.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the diverse lineup reflects the global and cultural reach of the tournament. He noted that the artists were selected to showcase the unifying power of music and the cultural diversity of the host nations.
The ceremony is being produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio and will centre around the FIFA World Cup Trophy, blending sport and entertainment for a global audience.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest in history, featuring 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City and conclude with the final on July 19, 2026, at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The announcement has already generated excitement among fans, with many anticipating a star-studded opening that reflects the global appeal of football and music.
