Rema To Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony In Los Angeles

Afrobeats star, Rema, will headline the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles, organisers have confirmed.

FIFA announced that the “Calm Down” hitmaker will perform on June 12 alongside a global cast featuring Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, Anitta and Lisa.

In a break from tradition, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the 2026 tournament will open with three ceremonies across the host nations at the same time. Festivities begin on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Tyla will join J Balvin, Maná, Alejandro Fernández and Belinda before Mexico face South Africa.

On June 12, BMO Field in Toronto will host Canada’s ceremony with Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara and Nora Fatehi before Canada meet Bosnia and Herzegovina. Los Angeles will stage the headline celebration later the same day.

“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” Infantino said on FIFA’s official website.

“The lineup 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.”

Rema’s booking continues a remarkable run of milestones. He performed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris and followed compatriot Davido, becoming the first African act to perform at a World Cup final during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Naija News reports that Nigeria’s imprint extends to the official anthem. Burna Boy teamed up with Shakira on “Dai Dai”, set for full release on May 14 after a teaser dropped earlier this month.

The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be the largest yet, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Argentina arrive as defending champions after beating France on penalties in 2022.

The final will take place at MetLife Stadium on July 19, where a halftime show is planned in partnership with Global Citizen.