Canada hosts colourful opening ceremony

Canada's star studded 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony took place on Friday at Toronto Stadium.
The celebratory served as the official curtain-raiser for the country's historic first-ever men's World Cup match on home soil, which followed 90 minutes later against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Designed around Canada's identity, coast-to-coast diversity, and community, the presentation featured an incredible lineup of homegrown and global musical talent. The ceremony opened by honoring Canada's roots with traditional dancing and a spoken word narration by acclaimed Aboriginal singer-songwriter William Prince.
Alessia Cara took the stage to perform her hit 'Wild Things' around a massive gold soccer ball structure, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, and Vegedream kept the energy high with their World Cup track 'Siir Siir,' followed by Jessie Reyez and Palestinian singer Elyanna performing 'Illuminate'.
Five time Grammy winner Michael Bublé led the celebration as a central headline attraction.
Legendary rock icon Alanis Morissette delivered a powerful live rendition of 'O Canada,' while violinist Aleksandar Gajić performed the national anthem for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Over 43,000 fans attended the event.