Despite a star-studded lineup of international artistes, Vanessa Obioha writes that the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies across Mexico, Canada and the United States struggled to deliver the cultural spectacle and emotional resonance that have defined some of football’s most memorable celebrations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with star-studded opening ceremonies across North America. Here's every performer set to take the stage in Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles.

It’s finally here. The first of 104 matches in this biggest-ever World Cup kicks off in Mexico City when South Africa meets up with Mexico in the Estadio Azteca.