The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and Canada is taking part in a first-of-its-kind opening across North America. The tournament begins this week with ceremonies and matches spread across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, setting up a record edition that runs through July 19 in New York.
For Canadian supporters, the significance is hard to miss. The United States hosted the World Cup in 1994, and Mexico hosted in 1970 and 1986, but this is Canada’s first time joining as a host, making the opening stretch especially meaningful.
Toronto takes center stage
Canada’s ceremony is scheduled for June 12 at Toronto Stadium, starting at 1:30 p.m. local time and 17:30 GMT. The performance is built around the idea of a cultural mosaic, with a short program designed to show the country’s diversity through music, movement, and visual storytelling.
The opening countdown is expected to frame the show as a journey from coast to coast to coast, a theme that reflects Canada’s broad geography and national identity.
Performers expected in Toronto
- Alanis Morissette
- Alessia Cara
- Jessie Reyez
- Michael Bublé
- William Prince
- Elyanna
- Nora Fatehi
- Sanjoy
- Vegedream
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the ceremony as a strong expression of Canada’s identity and called it a moment of pride, unity, and anticipation as the country steps onto the global stage.
A home match with added weight
The ceremony leads directly into a major moment for Canadian men’s soccer. Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina shortly afterward, marking the first World Cup match ever played by the team on home soil.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. local time, or 19:00 GMT, after the players complete warm-ups and pre-match introductions. For a program that has steadily grown in confidence, the setting adds uncommon pressure and excitement.
How the three ceremonies compare
The opening celebrations are linked by a shared goal: using football to connect audiences across borders. Marco Balich, known for major Olympic opening productions, is behind the creative direction for all three host-country shows.
| Host country | Date | Length | Creative focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | June 11 | About 16.5 minutes | Indigenous performers, folkloric elements, and papel picado |
| Canada | June 12 | About 13 minutes | Cultural mosaic and coast-to-coast-to-coast theme |
| The United States | June 12 | Short opening show before kickoff | A bright, high-gloss visual style |
Mexico City opens the tournament first on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium, formerly Estadio Azteca, before Mexico meets South Africa. That ceremony is expected to feature Indigenous and folkloric performers, along with major music acts such as Shakira, Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, Maná, and Tyla.
Later on June 12, the United States stages its own opening celebration at Los Angeles Stadium before facing Paraguay. Its lineup includes Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla.
What viewers in Canada need to know
Canadian coverage of the opening ceremonies and matches will be available on CTV and TSN, with French-language broadcasts on RDS.
For viewers in other regions, coverage differs by market: FOX, FS1, and Tubi are carrying the event in the United States, while the BBC and ITV are handling coverage in the United Kingdom.
Key broadcast facts
- Canada: CTV, TSN, and RDS
- United States: FOX, FS1, and Tubi
- United Kingdom: BBC and ITV
Toronto prepares for the crowd
Toronto organizers are adding transit support and planning for heavier traffic around the stadium, with security and logistics treated as top priorities.
Across the border in Mexico City, teacher protests have raised concerns about possible road disruptions, although officials say the opening ceremony remains secure. In Los Angeles, organizers are focusing on crowd control and have said they do not expect immigration enforcement at World Cup venues.
A symbolic start for Canadian fans
For Canada, the opening day is more than a schedule note. It is the country’s long-awaited introduction as a World Cup host, and the Toronto ceremony gives that moment a distinctly Canadian shape.
The World Cup continues through July 19, but the first chapter belongs to Toronto, where the host nation finally gets its turn in the spotlight.