Rema Among Global Stars for 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremonies

Nigerian Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, has been confirmed among international music acts scheduled to perform at the opening ceremonies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The announcement was made by FIFA in a statement published on its official Instagram page, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

FIFA said the ceremony will feature a star-studded lineup including South African singer Tyla, American rapper Future, American pop star Katy Perry, Brazilian singer Anitta and BLACKPINK member LISA, alongside Rema, with performances expected at the Los Angeles Stadium.

In a significant departure from tradition, FIFA confirmed that the tournament will feature three separate opening ceremonies across the host nations. The United States event will take place in Los Angeles on June 12, while Mexico City will host its ceremony on June 11, and Toronto, Canada, will also stage its celebration on June 12.

The world football governing body said the approach reflects its aim to merge football, music and culture in what it described as a “historic summer” across North America.

“For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, a new benchmark will be set as three spectacular opening ceremonies unfold across Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles,” FIFA said.

It added that the Los Angeles event would bring together global artists in a high-energy showcase designed to reflect the scale and cultural diversity of the tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the lineup demonstrates the unifying power of sport and music, as well as the global reach of the World Cup brand.

The 2026 tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams and will include 104 matches across 16 host cities.

The opening match is scheduled to take place at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa, while the final will be held on July 19 at the New York–New Jersey Stadium.

Rema’s inclusion marks another milestone in his international rise, following the global success of his hit single Calm Down, which topped charts worldwide and earned him widespread recognition beyond Africa.

He has also made history as the first African artist to perform at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris in 2023.

Source: NAN