South Africa’s Tyla has been confirmed as a performer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, adding another landmark moment to a career that has moved at extraordinary pace since her Grammy win. The 24-year-old will take the stage in Mexico City on 11 June — the same day Bafana Bafana face hosts Mexico in the tournament’s opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
She will share the stage with legendary Mexican group Los Ángeles Azules and rock band Maná, and will also perform at the Los Angeles opening celebrations on 12 June alongside Katy Perry and Nigerian star Rema.
Three ceremonies, one tournament
The 2026 World Cup marks the first time in the tournament’s history that opening ceremonies will be held across all three host nations simultaneously. The Los Angeles celebration at SoFi Stadium on 12 June will also feature Future, LISA and Anitta, with more performers still to be announced. Canada’s ceremony in Toronto is expected to include Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette.
The expanded format reflects the scale of what is already the largest FIFA World Cup in history — 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations across North America. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on 19 July.
For Tyla, the booking is yet another marker of how far and fast her trajectory has taken her. From amapiano breakout to Grammy winner to opening the biggest sporting event on the planet — all in the space of two years.
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