Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has been named among a group of global music stars confirmed to headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Rema, will be at the stage at Los Angeles Stadium with South African artist Tyla, American rapper Future, pop singer Katy Perry, Colombian singer Shakira, Brazilian singer Anitta and BLACKPINK member LISA. FIFA recently announced the lineup in a statement posted on its official channels.
The football governing body said three separate opening ceremonies will be held across the three host nations. The United States ceremony is scheduled for June 12, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium. Ceremonies will also take place on June 11 in Mexico City and on June 12 in Toronto, Canada.
FIFA described the celebrations as a combination of football, music and entertainment across what it called a “historic summer” in North America.
“For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, a new benchmark will be set as three spectacular opening ceremonies unfold across Mexico City (11 June), Toronto and Los Angeles (12 June), as Canada, Mexico and the United States come together to launch the greatest show on earth,” FIFA said in the statement.
The organisation added that “global superstars Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Shakira, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the celebrations in Los Angeles, with additional world-renowned artists still to be announced.”
“Together, they will bring the sound of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to life for a global audience, delivering a high-energy spectacle that reflects the scale, ambition and cultural power of the tournament itself,” FIFA said.
The Organisation also noted that the Los Angeles ceremony will begin 90 minutes before kick-off, with FIFA encouraging fans to arrive early for pre-match entertainment and activities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the event reflected both the scale of the tournament and the role of music in bringing people together.
According to Infantino, “This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become. The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment, and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country.”
FIFA also confirmed that the ceremony, produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, will include large-scale visuals, immersive storytelling, and live performances built around the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
