File photo: Rema
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has been selected among an all-star lineup of global music stars set to feature during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Joining him on stage at the Los Angeles Stadium are South African star Tyla, American rapper Future, pop icon Katy Perry, Brazilian singer Anitta and BLACKPINK member LISA.
FIFA disclosed this in a statement posted on its official handle on Saturday.
According to the football governing body, three opening ceremonies will be held separately across the three host countries, with the United States’ celebration scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026.
The ceremonies will also hold on June 11 in Mexico City and on June 12 in Toronto, Canada.
FIFA said the celebration would combine football, music and entertainment in what it described as a “historic summer” across the North American countries.
“For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, a new benchmark will be set as three spectacular opening ceremonies unfold across Mexico City (11 June), Toronto and Los Angeles (12 June), as Canada, Mexico and the United States come together to launch the greatest show on earth,” the statement read.
It added, “Global superstars Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the celebrations in Los Angeles, with additional world-renowned artists still to be announced.
“Together, they will bring the sound of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to life for a global audience, delivering a high-energy spectacle that reflects the scale, ambition and cultural power of the tournament itself,” it added.
The organisation also stated that the Los Angeles ceremony would begin 90 minutes before kick-off, with fans encouraged to arrive early for pre-match entertainment and activities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the lineup reflected the cultural diversity of the United States and the unifying power of music.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become.
“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 across the country,” Infantino said.
FIFA also declared that the ceremony would be produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio and would feature large-scale visuals, immersive storytelling and live performances centred around the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The tournament will begin on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City and end with the final on July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
