
The FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to feature a diverse lineup of global icons for its opening festivities, including Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjay who will take the stage alongside pop sensation Katy Perry and BLACKPINK’s Lisa.
As part of FIFA's plan to hold distinct opening ceremonies in all three host nations, the US leg will kick off on June 12 at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, ahead of the United States' opening match against Paraguay.
This date also aligns with celebrations surrounding the 250th anniversary of US independence, with additional special events planned for Houston and Philadelphia on July 4.
DJ Sanjay, who has gained international acclaim across South Asia, Europe, and North America, expressed his excitement over the selection and the personal significance of the milestone.
"Going from dreaming of these moments to actually being part of this stage is an incredible feeling," Sanjay said.
"As the child of immigrants, moving from a home studio to the world’s largest stage is truly special."
He added that his performance represents more than just a personal achievement, stating, "It represents all the young people who grew up between two cultures and believed their voices could reach this far."
The New York Times has previously recognized Sanjay as one of the most prominent South Asian electronic music artists globally.
FIFA has finalized a star-studded roster to ensure each host nation celebrates in style, with ceremonies tailored to each region.
In Canada, Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette, and Alessia Cara will perform on June 12 in Toronto before Canada takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The tournament officially begins even earlier in Mexico on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium as Mexico faces South Africa, featuring a ceremony with Mexican rock band Mana, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, and South African singer-songwriter Tyla.
Other international guests scheduled for various events throughout the tournament include J Balvin, Anitta, Danny Ocean, Elyanna, and Vegedream.
To encourage fans to arrive early, FIFA plans to start the opening ceremonies 90 minutes before kickoff.
The ceremony in Mexico is scheduled to last 16 minutes and 30 seconds, while the programs in the US and Canada will each run for 13 minutes.


