The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off Wednesday night with three simultaneous and televised countdown concerts in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, collectively called the FIFA Countdown Concert.
Star-Studded Performances Across North America
Andrea Bocelli, wearing a dashing blue blazer and sunglasses, set a high bar in Mexico City with his dramatic opening song Nelle tue mani (Now We are Free) from Gladiator, accompanied by an orchestra and choir. Images of soccer players in action played on large screens behind him.
In Toronto, veteran Canadian rocker Bryan Adams performed in a black Adidas track suit before thousands of fans at Fort York and the Bentway, the site of the FIFA Fan Festival. He sang Roll with the Punches from his 2025 album of the same name and the classic crowd-pleaser Summer of ’69, spurring a fan singalong.
“Let the games begin!” yelled Adams at the end of his two-song set.
Toronto's Historic Moment
Toronto host Marissa Roberto added, “Oh, look at that iconic Toronto skyline!” before images of the CN Tower, the aquarium, and Kensington Market were shown in a montage video of the city.
“We’re here in Toronto where the atmosphere is unreal right now,” said Roberto. “Can you feel it? This is a historic night for Canada as we’re hosting our first ever men’s FIFA World Cup matches.”
Also performing in Toronto were Nora Fatehi, DJ Sanjoy, and Vegedream, while upcoming acts include The Beaches, Wyclef Jean, and AHI.
Concerts Herald First Match
In Los Angeles, Afro-beat singer-songwriter Davido kicked things off with a medley of Fall, Unavailable, and With You. In Mexico City, Los Ángeles Azules performed with Belinda for their songs Por Ella and Amor A Primera Vista, with Elena Rose still in the performing cue. Major Lazer, Ava Max, and BIA were scheduled to later perform in L.A.
The first-of-its-kind live music event heralded the first 2026 FIFA World Cup match on Thursday at 3 p.m. between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. Canada begins its quest for the cup on Friday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. at BMO Field.
We’ve heard the beautiful music. Now let’s watch the beautiful game.
