FIFA has cleared all uncertainties regarding the inaugural format of the 2026 World Cup, officially announcing on its digital channels the involvement of Balich Wonder Studio for an unprecedented edition featuring not one, but three distinct opening ceremonies—one for each host nation.
As previously anticipated by e20express, the massive creative and production machine will be led by the Italian excellence of the firm headed by Marco Balich, already the protagonist of the successes of Qatar 2022 and the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympics.
The production, coordinated by FIFA’s Events & Entertainment team, will see Balich Wonder Studio undertake a monumental logistical and creative challenge: interpreting the unique identities of Mexico, Canada, and the United States through three live shows that will precede the inaugural whistles.
FIFA has revealed the names of the performers who will take the stages of the three iconic stadiums:
Mexico City (June 11, Estadio Azteca): A tribute to Latin culture featuring reggaeton star J Balvin, rock band Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, and South African breakout star Tyla. The show will focus on the art of papel picado and local tradition reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
Toronto (June 12, BMO Field): Canadian identity will be celebrated by global icons such as Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette, joined by Alessia Cara, Nora Fatehi, and Jessie Reyez.
Los Angeles (June 12, SoFi Stadium): A pure Hollywood-style opening is planned with pop superstar Katy Perry. The stage will also feature rapper Future, K-pop star LISA (Blackpink), Anitta, and Rema, emphasising the global scale of the event.
Linking the three events will be the new official anthem “Dai Dai,” performed by the “Queen of the World Cup,” Shakira, alongside Afrobeats star Burna Boy, which was recently presented in a worldwide premiere.
With this triple commission, Balich Wonder Studio solidifies its position as a world leader in sports live communication, paving the way for the grand finale: the closing ceremony scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Learn more about the global-leading agency here.
