Global K-pop sensation Lisa from the hit girl group BLACKPINK is set to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to an exclusive report by The Athletic, FIFA has finalised the musical line-ups for three separate opening events to celebrate the tournament’s co-hosts: Canada, the United States and Mexico.
A triple opening celebration
Because the tournament is split across three North American nations, FIFA has scheduled bespoke opening ceremonies ahead of each host country’s first match.
Lisa will take to the stage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12 ahead of the United States’ opening fixture against Paraguay. The Thai-born star is expected to perform alongside headline act Katy American pop icon Katy Perry, rapper Future, Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy and Paraguayan singer Marilina Bogado.
The tournament will officially commence a day earlier on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium, where Mexico will face South Africa. This inaugural ceremony will feature Mexican rock band Mana, pop star Alejandro Fernandez, singer Belinda, cumbia ensemble Los Angeles Azules and South African artist Tyla.
Meanwhile, the Canadian opening ceremony in Toronto on June 12 will see performances from Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara before the host nation takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Matchday logistics and timings
FIFA is encouraging supporters to arrive early for the festivities, which are scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off across all three venues.
The Mexican ceremony will run for exactly 16 minutes and 30 seconds, while the American and Canadian performances are slated to last 13 minutes each. Following the musical acts, players will take to the pitch for their standard warm-ups. A 13-minute official protocol event will then begin 25 minutes prior to the first whistle.
K-Pop’s Growing Global Football Presence
Lisa’s high-profile inclusion marks the second consecutive World Cup to feature a major K-pop artist. BTS member Jungkook previously took centre stage at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, delivering a solo performance of the official soundtrack «Dreamers».
Industry observers view FIFA’s decision to invite the BLACKPINK star as a calculated strategic move to leverage her massive influence across the Asian market. Born in Thailand, Lisa debuted with BLACKPINK in 2016 and has since built a staggering international following. She currently stands as the most followed member of the group on Instagram and holds the record for the highest first-week sales by a female K-pop solo artist after her 2021 single «LALISA» sold 736,000 copies.
