UMVA has learned that the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a bang on Wednesday night, featuring three simultaneous and electrifying countdown concerts in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
The festivities began in Mexico City, where the renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli took center stage, donning a dashing blue blazer and sunglasses. With an orchestra and choir by his side, Bocelli belted out his iconic song Nelle tue mani (Now We Are Free) from the movie Gladiator, as dynamic images of soccer players in action played on massive screens behind him.
In Toronto, veteran Canadian rocker Bryan Adams delivered a thrilling performance at Fort York and the Bentway, the site of the FIFA Fan Festival. Clad in a black Adidas tracksuit, Adams worked the crowd with his hits Roll with the Punches and Summer of ‘69, the latter sparking a rousing fan singalong. As he wrapped up his two-song set, Adams exclaimed, “Let the games begin!”
Toronto host Marissa Roberto hyped up the crowd, gushing about the city's iconic skyline and showcasing its famous landmarks in a video montage. She described the atmosphere as “unreal” and highlighted that Canada was hosting its first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup matches.
The concert lineup in Toronto also featured Nora Fatehi, who performed alongside Sanjoy and Vegedream, delivering a high-energy set that got the crowd moving. However, it was The Beaches who stole the show, earning a massive reaction from fans as they rocked out to Edge of the Earth and Last Girls at the Party.
One of the most memorable performances of the night came from AHI and Wyclef Jean, who brought the house down with their uplifting song Chosen. Joined by a group of children waving flags, Jean name-dropped Drake in his rap, getting the crowd pumped up: “Put your hands up if you rep the six and you’re ready! It’s Wyclef Jean! I’m in the Ice Man’s city!”
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Afro-beat sensation Davido kicked off the festivities with a medley of hits, including Fall, Unavailable, and With You. Ava Max followed, dazzling in a bright blue outfit as she performed Kings and Queens, Pt. 2 and Energy, surrounded by dancers and bursts of steam.
The concerts continued in Mexico City, where Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda performed their hits Por Ella and Amor a Primera Vista. Elena Rose also took the stage, stunning in a white gown and long white hair as she belted out Me lo merezco and La Semana.
The evening wrapped up in Los Angeles with a set from EDM group Major Lazer, who were eventually joined by BIA for a high-energy performance of Lean On, Watch Out For This, Whole Lotta Money, No Place Like Home, and Light It Up.
This spectacular live music event marked the countdown to the first 2026 FIFA World Cup match on Thursday at 3 p.m., when Mexico and South Africa faced off in Mexico City. Canada begins its quest for the cup on Friday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. at BMO Field.
