World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: What Time & How to Watch Free
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens with three ceremonies, one in each host nation, each staged in the 90 minutes before that country's opening match. Here are the exact times, where to watch free, and how to catch the Mexico vs South Africa opener.
What time is the opening ceremony?
- Mexico — Thu June 11, 1:30 PM ET (Estadio Azteca), before Mexico vs South Africa
- Canada — Fri June 12, 1:30 PM ET (BMO Field, Toronto)
- USA — Fri June 12, 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles), before USA vs Paraguay
Thursday, June 11
1:30 PM ET
10:30 AM PT · 6:30 PM BST · 11:00 PM IST
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Before Mexico vs South Africa
Performers: Shakira, Burna Boy
Friday, June 12
1:30 PM ET
10:30 AM PT · 6:30 PM BST · 11:00 PM IST
BMO Field, Toronto
Before Canada's opener (kickoff 3:00 PM ET)
Performers: Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Alanis Morissette
Friday, June 12
4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET
12:30 AM BST (Jun 13) · 5:00 AM IST (Jun 13)
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Before USA vs Paraguay
Performers: Katy Perry, Future, Tyla
How to watch the opening ceremony free
Each ceremony airs as part of the free broadcast of the opening match, so wherever the match is free, the ceremony is free too.
- United States — Free on Fox (over-the-air) and Tubi (free stream)
- United Kingdom — Free across BBC and ITV (iPlayer and ITVX)
- Brazil — Free on CazéTV (YouTube), worldwide in Portuguese
- Anywhere else — A VPN to SBS On Demand (Australia, all 104 matches free) or BBC iPlayer plus ITVX (UK) streams it free
Watch free from anywhere
No free broadcaster in your country? SBS On Demand (Australia) streams all 104 matches free, and a VPN unlocks it from anywhere in minutes.
Get NordVPN – 74% OffFrequently asked questions
What time is the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony today?
There are three opening ceremonies. Mexico: Thursday June 11 at 1:30 PM ET (Estadio Azteca). Canada: Friday June 12 at 1:30 PM ET (BMO Field, Toronto). USA: Friday June 12 at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles). Each ceremony runs in the 90 minutes before that host nation's opening match.
Is the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony free to watch?
Yes, in most major markets, because each ceremony airs as part of the free broadcast of the opening match. In the US it is free on Fox (over-the-air) and Tubi; in the UK free on BBC and ITV; in Brazil free on CazéTV (YouTube). Elsewhere, a VPN to SBS On Demand (Australia) or BBC iPlayer plus ITVX (UK) streams it free.
Who is performing at the opening ceremonies?
Mexico (June 11): Shakira and Burna Boy. Canada (June 12): Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, and Alanis Morissette. USA (June 12): Katy Perry, Future, and Tyla at SoFi Stadium.
Where can I watch Mexico vs South Africa?
The Mexico vs South Africa opener follows the Mexico ceremony on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. It is free in the US on Fox and Tubi, in the UK on BBC/ITV, and free worldwide via a VPN to SBS On Demand (all 104 matches free) or BBC iPlayer plus ITVX.