Canada Hosts 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
Canada's moment in the 2026 World Cup spotlight began with a vibrant opening ceremony featuring renowned Canadian musicians Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé.
Canadian supporters arrived dressed predominantly in red ahead of the opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, spontaneously singing the national anthem, O Canada, as they entered Toronto Stadium.
This event followed the tournament's initial kickoff in Mexico City on Thursday, which included an opening ceremony with performances by Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
Later on Friday, the first United States game in Los Angeles will include performances by popular artists Katy Perry and Atlanta rapper Future.
The 2026 World Cup is jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, marking the largest tournament ever with 48 nations competing.
Fans Express Excitement and National Pride
Peter Giacobbe, a native of Toronto attending matches in both Toronto and Vancouver, expressed enthusiasm about the event.
"We've very excited. This is a long time coming," said Giacobbe.
His friend Robert McIntosh shared a similar sentiment.
"We woke up this morning realising that this is making Canadian history together," McIntosh said.
Fans supporting the Bosnian national team also showed enthusiasm. Hundreds arrived at the stadium in a separate procession following the Canadian fans. Some told the BBC they had traveled from Bosnia to watch their team compete in the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
Others, such as Bosnian-Canadian Layla Mesic, were local attendees. Mesic was at the stadium with her Canadian mother, who wore a Team Canada jersey, while Mesic herself proudly donned the traditional yellow and blue colors of Bosnia.
"To even qualify to the World Cup, it's a big point of pride of us," Mesic said. "Today I'm 100% Bosnian."
She added that this experience is unique and significant for her.
"It might have cost an arm and a leg, but I'm here."
Opening Ceremony Performances Highlight Canadian Diversity
Alanis Morissette performed the national anthem to an enthusiastic crowd. Michael Bublé, accompanied by a choir, led the audience in a spirited rendition of "Bring It on Home to Me," originally by Mississippi soul singer Sam Cooke.
Other performers included Canadian singer Alessia Cara, Palestinian singer-songwriter Elyanna, and Toronto natives Jessie Reyes and Nora Fatehi.
William Prince, an indigenous artist from Manitoba, also contributed to the ceremony.
Organizers stated that the selection of performers was inspired by Canada's communities and its "rich diversity."
Messages of Peace and Community Engagement
Before the match, the stadium announcer invited the audience to "join us in a round of applause for peace."
Outside the stadium, hundreds of fans gathered at the Toronto Fan Zone, where entry was free and granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Angela Aco, a Toronto resident attending the fan zone, noted that obtaining tickets for the game was not feasible due to high prices.
"Getting tickets for the actual game wasn't even a consideration for us," Aco said. "But it has been a great experience so far despite the heavier-than-normal traffic around the city. It's great to see people from all over the place. We just role with the punches."
She also shared her favorite moment from the opening ceremony.
"Oh, Bublé did it for me."
US and Mexico Opening Matches and Performances
Later on Friday, the United States will face Paraguay in Los Angeles. The opening performances will feature Katy Perry, Future, Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta, and Blackpink alumna and actress LISA.
Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla is also scheduled to perform.
While numerous celebrities are expected to attend, neither US President Donald Trump nor Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will be present at their respective countries' opening matches.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will represent the United States in Los Angeles.
Prime Minister Carney is currently in France on a working trip ahead of the upcoming G7 summit and is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum also did not attend her country's first game on Thursday, citing protest against the tournament's high ticket prices.
FIFA Plans Star-Studded Closing Ceremony
FIFA has announced plans for a high-profile closing ceremony on 19 July, which will feature the organization's first-ever halftime show in its nearly 100-year history, modeled after similar events at the Super Bowl.
Headlining performers will include Coldplay's Chris Martin, Madonna, and Shakira.
The final match will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
