Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez kick off Canada’s World Cup opening ceremony

TORONTO — Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez and Nora Fatehi helped kick off Canada’s first FIFA World Cup Game on home soil Friday with the first of two opening ceremonies.

Traditional Indigenous dancers opened the pre-match show on the pitch at Toronto Stadium before Winnipeg folk artist William Prince welcomed fans to the historic occasion.

“From the First Peoples of this land to those who came from every part of the world, generation after generation, this is more than a moment — this is true connection,” he said.

Brampton, Ont. singer-songwriter Cara then emerged from the centre of a giant golden soccer ball installation at midfield to perform her songs “Wild Things” and “Fire.”

Canadian-Moroccan artist Nora Fatehi, Bangladeshi-American DJ and producer Sanjoy and French hip-hop artist Vegedream followed with “Siir Siir,” their track from FIFA’s official World Cup 2026 album.

Brampton R&B singer Reyez and Palestinian pop star Elyanna capped the celebration with their own track off the project, “Illuminate,” as fireworks lit up the stadium.

Canadian hitmaker Cirkut executive produced the FIFA album.

Alanis Morissette is expected to have soccer fans head over feet as she headlines the second ceremony ahead of the match.

The Ottawa-born alt-rocker will sing the national anthem before Canada faces Bosnia-Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.

Michael Bublé will perform as well, while Toronto-born comedian Will Arnett will take part as an ambassador for this year’s World Cup.

Hours before kickoff, thousands of Canada Soccer fans filled downtown Toronto streets, waving flags and sporting red-and-white jerseys as they marched toward the stadium. Bosnia supporters held a separate march of their own.

Serbian-born violinist Aleksandar Gajic has been tapped to perform Bosnia-Herzegovina’s anthem.The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, 90 minutes before kickoff.

This year’s World Cup is the biggest in FIFA’s history, and it’s being jointly hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico until July 19.

The U.S. opening ceremony is also set to take place tonight ahead of the U.S. match against Paraguay, with Katy Perry, Anitta, Future, LISA, Rema and Tyla slated to perform.

Perry has been making headlines lately for her relationship with former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who accompanied the “Firework” singer Monday to the premiere of her Lifetimes Tour concert film at the Tribeca Festival in New York City.

During a Q-and-A portion of the evening, Perry spoke candidly about Trudeau, calling him “the love of my life” and that she felt “very anchored” by her relationship with him.

Anitta, LISA and Rema join forces on “Goals,” the opening track from the FIFA album. Future and Tyla are on the second song “Game Time.”

Cirkut told The Canadian Press earlier this month that the goal of the project was to reflect the cultural diversity of host countries Canada, the United States and Mexico.

“We wanted to represent each country and region and city and bring a different flavour to each song and with each artist,” he says.

The Halifax-raised producer added that he aimed to helm upbeat, anthemic songs that would fit the energy of soccer matches but also stand on their own outside of the World Cup.

“I’m excited to hear the music in some stadiums around the world,” he said.

“Soccer, football, it’s a great sport and it’s fun to see nations come together and compete. It’s a fun thing to be a part of.”

Toronto Stadium is hosting six games, starting with the first World Cup match on Canadian soil at 3 p.m. ET today.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2026.