Afrobeats star Rema joins global music icons as FIFA unveils entertainment lineup for historic three-city World Cup opening celebrations.
By A1 News International
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema has been named among the international music stars set to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
FIFA confirmed that the Nigerian singer will headline the Los Angeles ceremony alongside South African music star Tyla, American rapper Future, pop icon Katy Perry, Brazilian singer Anitta and LISA.
FIFA Unveils Multi-City Opening Ceremony
According to FIFA, the 2026 World Cup will open with three separate ceremonies across the host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The first ceremony will hold in Mexico City on June 11, while Toronto and Los Angeles will host additional ceremonies on June 12.
FIFA described the events as a historic celebration blending football, entertainment and global culture.
“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 in a statement.
Rema Joins Global Music Icons
FIFA stated that the Los Angeles ceremony would feature some of the biggest names in global music and entertainment.
“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,” the football body said.
The ceremony is expected to begin 90 minutes before kickoff and will feature live performances, immersive storytelling and large-scale visuals centred around the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The production is being handled in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio.
Infantino Speaks on Cultural Diversity
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the artist lineup reflects the cultural diversity and global influence of music in uniting people.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” Infantino stated.
According to him, the event will showcase the vibrancy of diverse cultures and diasporas across North America.
Nigerian Artists Continue Global Football Dominance
Rema’s selection adds to the growing influence of Nigerian musicians on football’s global entertainment stage.
Over the years, several Nigerian artists have performed at major football events watched by millions worldwide.
In 2022, Davido became the first Nigerian artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar, where he delivered the official tournament soundtrack “Hayya Hayya.”
In 2023, Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy became the first African artist to perform at the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul.
That same year, Rema performed his global hit “Calm Down” at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, becoming the first African artist to perform at the prestigious football awards event.
Other Nigerian stars including Kizz Daniel, Patoranking and Yemi Alade have also headlined major football-related entertainment events in recent years.
Tournament to Feature 104 Matches
FIFA disclosed that the 2026 World Cup will feature 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 conclude with the final on July 19, 2026, at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
Rema’s inclusion in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony further highlights the global rise of Afrobeats and the growing international recognition of Nigerian music on some of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
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