The FIFA World Cup is the planet’s biggest party, and the 2026 Opening Ceremony is shaping up to be the ultimate VIP guest list. As three host nations prepare to welcome the globe, we’re tracking every celebrity, athlete, and world leader who’ll be gracing the festivities. Let’s dive into the star-studded roll call and find out who’s confirmed, who’s rumored, and who might just steal the show.

Which celebrities have confirmed their attendance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?

Hollywood is showing up in a big way for the World Cup. The Mexico City ceremony will feature the legendary actress and producer Salma Hayek Pinault in a special role as a FIFA World Cup 2026 Ambassador. She’s scheduled to take the pitch and welcome fans, celebrating football’s power to unite the world. Meanwhile, Will Ferrell, Eva Longoria, and a slew of other A-listers have been named Community Ambassadors for the Los Angeles portion of the celebrations.

Beyond the ambassadors, the guest list reads like a who’s who of entertainment. Experts predict sightings of massive stars such as LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, Travis Scott, Channing Tatum, and Jason Sudeikis throughout the tournament. And it’s not just predictions—industry executives and Hollywood royalty were already spotted at the pre-event LA kickoff party.

Which athletes and sports legends will be at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?

The opening ceremony will also serve as a celebration of football’s rich history. FIFA has planned a tribute to two of the sport’s greatest icons, Pelé and Diego Maradona, honoring their lasting impact on generations of players and fans around the world.

Several football legends and high-profile sporting figures are also expected to be part of the festivities. Among the notable names associated with the World Cup celebrations are U.S. soccer legends Mia Hamm and Cobi Jones, two of the most influential figures in American soccer history.

The ceremony is expected to blend tributes, cultural performances, and appearances from football personalities, creating a bridge between the game’s greatest legends and the stars who will compete on the world’s biggest stage.

Will world leaders and VIP guests attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?

The tournament has always been a magnet for global leaders and influential figures. While an official guest list for the 2026 opening ceremony has yet to be released, the World Cup remains one of the world’s most prominent diplomatic and sporting stages.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to play a central role in the festivities, having been actively involved in the tournament’s buildup and promotional events. Past World Cups have attracted heads of state, government officials, and international dignitaries, making high-level political representation a longstanding tradition.

Leaders such as Donald J. Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Mark Carney have all been involved in kickoff events and diplomatic engagements connected to the tournament. While their attendance at the opening ceremony has not been formally confirmed, their involvement underscores the political and cultural significance of the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations.

As the tournament approaches, additional VIP guests, world leaders, and prominent figures from sport, entertainment, and business are expected to be announced.

Which musicians and entertainers are expected to appear at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Ceremony?

Here’s where the party really kicks off. The musical lineup is a global super-show, spread across the three host nations.

In Mexico City, Shakira and Burna Boy will headline, performing their official tournament anthem, “Dai Dai”. They are joined by an incredible lineup of Latin music royalty, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Maná. South African singer Tyla will also perform the South African national anthem.

Over in Los Angeles, the ceremony features Katy Perry, Future, LISA of BLACKPINK, Anitta, and Rema. And in Toronto? Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, and actor Will Arnett are confirmed to take the stage.

It’s a triple-header of talent that cements the World Cup as the world’s greatest entertainment spectacle.

Will there be special VIP Boxes at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?

You can absolutely count on it. The FIFA World Cup isn’t just football’s biggest event, but it’s also one of the world’s most exclusive sporting spectacles. That means VIP boxes and luxury suites will once again be packed with a mix of football legends, government officials, business leaders, celebrities, sponsors, and FIFA executives.

FIFA’s hospitality program has long been a major part of the World Cup experience, offering premium seating and private suites for invited guests and corporate partners. For the historic opening match at Estadio Azteca, those sections are expected to be among the most sought-after seats in world sport.

We already know FIFA President Gianni Infantino will play a prominent role in the festivities, while leaders from the three host nations, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, have been actively involved in events leading up to the tournament. Football icons, former World Cup stars, and high-profile guests from the worlds of entertainment and business are also expected to attend.

That said, don’t expect FIFA to publish a complete guest list. For security and privacy reasons, many VIP attendees remain undisclosed until match day. So while television cameras will likely catch a few famous faces in the suites, much of the action inside the VIP boxes will remain behind closed doors.

One thing is certain: when the 2026 World Cup kicks off, some of the most influential figures in sports, politics, business, and entertainment will be watching from the best seats in the house.