The Wait Is Over — FIFA World Cup 2026 Opens with the Biggest Ceremony in Tournament History

The biggest football tournament on the planet has kicked off, and this one is unlike anything we've ever seen. FIFA World Cup 2026 officially starts today, June 11 — and for the first time ever, the opening isn't just one ceremony. It's three. Three host nations. Three legendary stadiums. Three massive shows happening back to back.

If you're in Malaysia and wondering where to watch, what's happening, and how to make the most of this tournament — you're in the right place.

Tonight's the Night — Shakira Takes the Stage Before the Biggest Match of the Year

Malaysia Time (GMT+8): 12:30 AM, June 12

Mexico gets the honour of firing the first shot. At the legendary Estadio Azteca — the only stadium in the world to host World Cup matches in three different tournaments (1970, 1986, and now 2026) — Mexico faces South Africa in Group A.

Before the match kicks off, Shakira and Burna Boy take the stage to perform Dai Dai, the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem, live for the very first time. The full lineup is packed: J Balvin, Belinda, Maná, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández, and Danny Ocean. Mexican culture takes centre stage through indigenous performances, folkloric dancers, and moments where the crowd becomes part of the show. FIFA 2026 Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault will be there to welcome the world.

Set your alarm. This one is worth losing sleep over.

Why Canada's Opening Ceremony Is One for the History Books

Malaysia Time (GMT+8): 1:30 AM, June 13

Canada has never hosted the men's World Cup before. That changes on Friday night at BMO Field in Toronto, where Les Rouges take on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The ceremony features Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette alongside Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Elyanna, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince. Canadian comedian and FIFA Ambassador Will Arnett hosts the night. It's going to be warm, energetic, and deeply Canadian — in the best way.

The Most Star-Packed Opening in World Cup History Lands in Los Angeles

Malaysia Time (GMT+8): 7:30 AM, June 13

The USA wraps up the three-nation opening at the jaw-dropping SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Team USA plays Paraguay, and the pre-match show is basically a global pop concert.

Katy Perry leads the charge with Future, Anitta, LISA (yes, the BLACKPINK member — Malaysian fans will love this), Rema, and Tyla. Country duo Dan + Shay sing the national anthem, and Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis welcomes everyone to LA as FIFA's official ambassador.

Big stadium, big stars, big energy. This is what football celebrations are supposed to look like.

Three Countries, One Incredible Vision

All three ceremonies were produced by Italian maestro Marco Balich, the same man behind the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening earlier this year. Each show runs about 30 minutes and includes national anthems, a parade of flags, the match ball presentation, and live performances rooted in each nation's culture.

Together, they tell one story: football belongs to everyone.

Watch Every Kick, Every Goal, Every Second — Free on Winbox Live

Now that you've marked the times, the next question is simple — where are you watching?

Winbox Live streams every FIFA World Cup 2026 match completely free, with no delays and no buffering issues. Whether it's a midnight kickoff or a Saturday afternoon game, just open Winbox and it's ready. No subscription needed.

For those who enjoy a bit of online football betting, Winbox makes this World Cup even more exciting. During this FIFA 2026 period, the maximum bet has been raised to RM500,000 per bet — the highest it's ever been. More at stake, bigger prize pools, and every match suddenly feels even more intense than it already is.

Whether you're a seasoned player who's been doing sports betting online for years, or someone just getting started with football betting in Malaysia, Winbox keeps things simple, safe, and fun.

Register now and get ready for kickoff!

Bet on FIFA 2026 & Win a Rolex — Yes, an Actual Rolex Submariner

Here's the bonus that makes this FIFA 2026 season extra special.

When you place your online sports bets through Maxbet, CMD368, or SBOBET during this FIFA World Cup 2026 period, you're in the running to win a Rolex Submariner watch. Not just match winnings — a luxury watch on top of everything else.

All three platforms are available through Winbox, so you're already in the right place. Just bet as you normally would, and you might end up celebrating with a Rolex on your wrist before the final whistle blows.

This Is Your FIFA 2026. Own Every Moment of It.

48 teams. 16 cities. 3 host nations. 104 matches. And three opening ceremonies the world will talk about for years.

From Shakira lighting up the Azteca tonight to Katy Perry closing the show in LA tomorrow morning, FIFA World Cup 2026 has gone all out. So should you.

Set your alarms, grab your drinks, and log in to Winbox before the first ball is kicked — because the greatest football tournament ever is already underway, and you don't want to be the only one who missed it.

All times shown in Malaysia Time (MYT). Ceremonies begin 90 minutes before kickoff.