Saturday Star

Tyla joins FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony line-up with Katy Perry and LISA

Nomathamsanqa Sithathu|Published

Tyla, Katy Perry and Lisa are among perfprmers announced for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Image: Instagram

Global stars from across music are officially heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies, with South Africa’s very own Tyla joining a packed line-up that includes Katy Perry, Lisa, Future and Anitta.

FIFA has officially confirmed that the 2026 tournament will launch with three separate opening celebrations across North America as Canada, Mexico and the United States prepare to host the biggest FIFA World Cup yet.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the opening ceremonies will unfold across all three host nations, blending football, music and entertainment into one wide celebration.

Tyla is set to perform at the opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11 ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. 

The 24-year-old powerhouse will share the stage with legendary Mexican group Los Ángeles Azules and rock band Maná. Tyla will grace the stage again on June 12 at Los Angeles for the USA opening alongside acts like Perry and Nigerian star Rema.

The announcement marks yet another major international milestone for the Grammy-winning singer, whose rise over the past two years has taken her from amapiano breakout star to one of the most recognisable young African artists globally.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles will host its own opening celebration on June 12 at SoFi Stadium, with Perry leading the performances alongside Future, LISA, Anitta and Nigerian star Rema. Additional performers are still expected to be announced.

Canada’s ceremony will take place in Toronto, where artists including Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette are also expected to perform.

“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become.

“The line-up 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,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The performances are expected to draw millions of viewers globally as football and music collide on one of the biggest stages in the world.

FIFA has also confirmed that an official World Cup album is on the way, with Shakira and Burna Boy already announced for the official tournament song, “Dai Dai”.

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. The teams will play a grand total of 104 matches.

The tournament officially kicks off on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium, where co-hosts Mexico are set to face Bafana Bafana in the opening match. 

The final will be held at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on July 19.