Lisa, the Thai rapper and singer who achieved global prominence as a member of the South Korean group Blackpink, has signed on to perform at the upcoming FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies. According to the Athletic, FIFA is planning three distinct opening spectacles to mark the first matches in each of the host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The inclusion of Lisa reflects a deliberate effort by football’s governing body to draw a diverse, international audience. Her presence on the bill adds significant pop appeal to an event that aims to merge sports with global entertainment.
Three Opening Ceremonies Planned
The tournament begins on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where the host nation will play South Africa. The event features a lineup of prominent Latin American artists, including the rock band Mana, Alejandro Fernandez, and Belinda, alongside South African singer-songwriter Tyla.
The following day, 12 June, will see ceremonies in both Canada and the United States. In Toronto, Canadian artists Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette, and Alessia Cara will perform before Canada faces Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Later that evening, the United States will open its campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles. The American ceremony features Katy Perry as the headlining act, alongside the rapper Future and the DJ Sanjoy. Lisa is scheduled to appear as part of this global cohort, bringing her massive international fan base to the tournament’s opening weekend.
LISA is reportedly set to perform at the 2026 World Cup, according to NYT. pic.twitter.com/BG5xYew6oN
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 8, 2026
Tight Timelines and Early Starts
To accommodate the musical acts without disrupting the players’ preparation, FIFA plans to start the entertainment segments early. According to the Athletic, the organization will encourage spectators to take their seats ninety minutes before kickoff.
The planning documents indicate that the Mexican ceremony will run for sixteen minutes and thirty seconds, while the American and Canadian segments are scheduled for thirteen minutes each. Once the musical performances conclude, teams will have access to the pitch for their warm-ups before the formal pre-match protocols begin twenty-five minutes before kickoff.
Regional Celebrations and Political Ties
Beyond the opening matches, FIFA is preparing special tributes to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States on 4 July. Two round-of-16 matches, scheduled to take place in Philadelphia and Houston, will feature American history-themed pre-game shows.
The alignment of the sporting event with national celebrations has been a point of interest for the White House Task Force 250, chaired by President Donald Trump. While the exact details of the historical presentations remain unconfirmed, FIFA has already shown a willingness to cooperate closely with American political figures to ensure the tournament’s success.
