<!-- SCOFF --><div class="md"><p>FIFA are planning to hold opening ceremonies at each of the first games of the World Cup featuring host nations this summer, as well as special ceremonies to mark America’s 250th anniversary at games in Houston and Philadelphia on July 4.</p> <p>According to sources familiar with the planning, FIFA has lined up a catalog of artists to perform ahead of kick-off at the opening games featuring hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States. These include Canadian singers Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara, who are signed up and expected to star at Canada’s first group stage match against Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto.</p> <p>Later that day, the U.S. men’s national team begin their campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, where Katy Perry is lined up as the headliner. Other American talent signed up by FIFA includes the rapper Future, as well as Bangladeshi-American Sanjoy, who is a Los Angeles-based DJ. </p> <p>Lisa, the Thai rapper and singer who shot to stardom with South Korean girl group Blackpink, has also been signed up by FIFA. There is also representation from the USMNT’s opponents Paraguay, with the Paraguayan artist Marilina Bogado due to perform.</p> <p>The opening match of the tournament will see Mexico play South Africa on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium. This will feature performances from the multi-Grammy-award winning Mexican rock band Mana, as well as popstar Alejandro Fernandez and singer Belinda. FIFA have also signed up Los Angeles Azules, who play music in the traditional Mexican cumbia style. The show will also include South African singer-songwriter Tyla.</p> <p>According to planning materials seen by The Athletic, the Mexican ceremony is currently scheduled to last 16 minutes and 30 seconds, while both the U.S. and Canadian shows are slated for 13 minutes each. Players will then be able to use the field for their pre-match warm-up, ahead of protocol ceremonies taking place at all three games, which will start 25 minutes prior to kick-off and last 13 minutes each.</p> </div><!-- SCON --> submitted by <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Just-mapleman-50"> /u/Just-mapleman-50 </a> <br/> <span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7262593/2026/05/08/fifa-opening-ceremonies-perry-buble-america-250/">[link]</a></span> <span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/hiphopheads/comments/1t7g8d9/futureissettoperformattheopeningceremony/">[comments]</a></span>