Nigerian Afrobeats star, Rema, has been announced as part of an international lineup of artistes expected to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The award-winning singer, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, will share the stage at the Los Angeles Stadium with South African music sensation Tyla, American rapper Future, pop star Katy Perry, Brazilian singer Anitta and BLACKPINK member LISA.
FIFA made the announcement in a statement shared on its official social media handle on Saturday.
The football governing body revealed that three separate opening ceremonies would take place across the tournament’s host nations, with the United States event billed for Friday, June 12, 2026.
According to FIFA, ceremonies will also be staged in Mexico City on June 11 and in Toronto on June 12 as part of the World Cup celebrations.
FIFA said the events would blend football, entertainment and music during what it described as a “historic summer” across North America.
“For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, a new benchmark will be set as three spectacular opening ceremonies unfold across Mexico City (11 June), Toronto and Los Angeles (12 June), as Canada, Mexico and the United States come together to launch the greatest show on earth,” the statement read.
It added, “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.
“Together, they will bring the sound of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to life for a global audience, delivering a high-energy spectacle that reflects the scale, ambition and cultural power of the tournament itself,” it added.
FIFA further disclosed that the Los Angeles ceremony would commence 90 minutes before kick-off, with spectators advised to arrive early to enjoy pre-match performances and other activities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the selected performers represent the diversity of the United States and demonstrate music’s ability to unite people.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become.
“The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country,” Infantino said.
FIFA also disclosed that the ceremony would be produced alongside Balich Wonder Studio and would include immersive storytelling, large-scale visuals and live performances centred on the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City before concluding with the final on July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
