FIFA World Cup opening ceremony features performances across three nations

The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place across Mexico, Canada, and the USA, featuring artists like Shakira, Jessie Reyez, and Andrea Bocelli. Balich Wonder Studio produced three unique ceremonies, celebrating the cultures of the host countries with a combined estimated viewership of 1.2 billion. The ceremonies set records for viewer engagement, with the Mexico-South Africa match attracting over 20 million viewers in the U.S. alone. Producer Marco Balich highlighted the collaborative effort in orchestrating such a complex series of events, which showcased diverse music and narratives. Further matches in the tournament are expected to continue this momentum.

• 11:20 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony Producer Breaks Down Unprecedented 3-Part Celebration and Those Shakira Rumors