Rema, Tyla Join Global Stars for 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony
Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema and South African music sensation Tyla have been named among a star-studded lineup of global performers set to headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
FIFA unveiled the lineup in a statement posted on its official social media platforms, announcing that the two African stars will perform alongside American rapper Future, pop icon Katy Perry, Brazilian singer Anitta and K-pop star LISA.
The Los Angeles ceremony, scheduled for June 12, 2026, will serve as one of three opening celebrations marking the beginning of what FIFA describes as a historic World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Additional ceremonies will take place in Mexico City on June 11 and Toronto on June 12.
According to FIFA, the Los Angeles event will blend football, music and entertainment in a large-scale production designed to reflect the ambition and cultural reach of the expanded tournament.
“For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, a new benchmark will be set as three spectacular opening ceremonies unfold across Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles,” FIFA said.
The football governing body added that the lineup reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, while showcasing music’s power to unite audiences around the world.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the ceremony as a reflection of the “extraordinary scale” of the 2026 World Cup, noting that the artists would help “bring the sound of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to life for a global audience.”
The opening ceremony in Los Angeles is expected to begin 90 minutes before kick-off and will feature immersive storytelling, large-scale visuals and performances centered around the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The 2026 tournament will be the biggest in FIFA history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across North America, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
