World Cup 2026 looms ahead – with this summer’s feast of football nearly upon us.
Before we can focus on the beautiful game, however, there is the small matter of the opening festivities.
Things are a little different this year as the three host nations – Mexico, Canada, and the United States – will hold their own opening ceremonies ahead of their first fixtures.
Each will use a different theme to explore their national identity and call on their own roster of performers.
Maná, Katy Perry, and Alanis Morissette are among the acts locked in already for what is no doubt set to be an eye-catching introduction to the tournament.
Radio Times brings you all the TV coverage details for the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony.
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How to watch the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony on TV
TV coverage of the World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies will be split between ITV and BBC for UK viewers.
Fans can tune in to watch the opening ceremonies as part of the coverage of each of the host nations’ first fixtures.
Mexico’s opening ceremony will be shown on ITV 1 ahead of Mexico v South Africa, which kicks off at 9pm on Thursday 11 June.
BBC One will have coverage of the opening ceremonies in the United States, ahead of USA v Paraguay (2am kick-off), and Canada, ahead of Canada v Bosnia & Herzegovina (8pm kick-off) on Friday 12 June.
Live stream World Cup 2026 opening ceremony online
UK viewers will be able to tune in to watch the Mexico opening ceremony on ITVX, while coverage of the United States and Canada ceremonies will be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Both streaming services can be accessed on a range of platforms, including laptops, mobiles, tablets and smart TVs.
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Authors
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
