Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Rema is heading to the world’s biggest stage. The “Calm Down” singer has been confirmed as one of the headline performers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies, making him one of the few Africans to take center stage at the tournament’s kickoff.
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA will host three separate opening ceremonies across the three host nations: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The move reflects the unprecedented scale of the 2026 tournament, which will feature 48 teams playing across 16 cities in North America from June 11 to July 19.
Rema will perform in Los Angeles on June 12, just before the United States’ opening match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. He joins a star-studded lineup that includes Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA of BLACKPINK, and South Africa’s Tyla. FIFA said the LA ceremony will “reflect the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas”.
The celebrations kick off a day earlier in Mexico City on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament. Colombian star J Balvin, Mexican rock band Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, and Tyla are set to perform before Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament’s first match.
Canada’s opening ceremony will take place on June 12 in Toronto at BMO Field ahead of Canada’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Homegrown acts Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, and Jessie Reyez will headline, alongside international performer Nora Fatehi.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the triple ceremony format “a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration,” noting that it will “bring together music, culture, and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament”.
For Rema, the booking marks another milestone in his rapid global rise. The Nigerian star has become one of Afrobeats’ leading exports, with sold-out shows across Europe, North America, and Asia. His inclusion signals FIFA’s push to spotlight Africa’s growing influence in global pop culture.
The ceremonies will each begin 90 minutes before kickoff, with stadium gates opening four hours early for fan experiences and live programming. FIFA has promised large-scale visual productions and immersive storytelling to match the tournament’s expanded 48-team format.
Additional performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Shakira and Burna Boy have already revealed “Dai Dai” as the official World Cup theme song, released on May 14.
With Rema representing Nigeria on opening night in LA, African music will once again take its place at the heart of football’s biggest celebration. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be as much a cultural festival as a sporting spectacle.
