Rema, Tyla, Katy Perry to Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony

FIFA has confirmed that Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema will perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, alongside Katy Perry, Tyla, Future, Anitta, and BLACKPINK’s LISA — making him the headline Nigerian act at the biggest sporting event on the planet.

The football governing body announced the lineup on Saturday, confirming that the United States ceremony will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium. The ceremony begins 90 minutes before kickoff.

“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,” FIFA said in an official statement.

Africa Owns the Stage

Rema’s selection comes in the same tournament where Burna Boy and Shakira are headlining the official anthem “Dai Dai” — meaning Nigeria has two major presences at the 2026 World Cup before a ball is even kicked. South Africa’s Tyla also features on the LA lineup, completing an Africa one-two punch at the main ceremony.

It is a striking moment for Afrobeats on the global stage. Nigerian artists have gone from background features on World Cup playlists to front-and-centre at the biggest ceremonies the sport produces.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the lineup reflects the cultural breadth of the host nation. “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 unifying force of football,” he said.

Three Countries, Three Ceremonies

For the first time in World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will run across all three host nations. Mexico City hosts on June 11; Toronto and Los Angeles both host on June 12. The LA ceremony is the main global broadcast event.

For Nigerian fans, Rema’s spot on that stage means something. The 24-year-old Benin City native broke through globally with “Calm Down” and has been climbing ever since. The World Cup opening ceremony is a different level entirely — and he’s on it.

Sources: Chronicle.ng, Punch, News18, Yahoo Sports