ArtistDirect News
Alanis Morissette to Sing Canadas National Anthem at World Cup Opening Match
On June 12, 2026, the first FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil will open with a moment that blends sport and song: Ottawa‑born singer‑songwriter Alanis Morissette will perform Canada’s national anthem at Toronto Stadium, better known as BMO Field. The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, will run for 90 minutes before the kickoff against Bosnia‑Herzegovina.
Morissette’s rendition of “O Canada” will be followed by a lineup that showcases the country’s musical diversity. The program includes Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, William Prince, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and Elyanna. Will Arnett, the Toronto‑born comedian and actor, will also appear as a FIFA World Cup ambassador for the 2026 tournament, while the Bosnian‑Herzegovinian anthem will be performed by Serbian‑born violinist Aleksandar Gajic.
The opening ceremony is part of FIFA’s broader effort to highlight host‑nation talent. The official FIFA World Cup 2026 album, produced by Canadian producer Cirkut, blends the musical styles of Canada, the United States and Mexico. One of the album’s tracks, “Illuminate,” is a collaboration between Canadian singer Jessie Reyez and Palestinian‑born artist Elyanna. In a Canadian Press interview, Cirkut said the project was intended to reflect the cultural diversity of the host countries, adding that each song was meant to bring a different flavour to the World Cup experience.
Across the border, the United States will host its own opening event on the same day. The U.S. program will feature Katy Perry, Anitta, Future, LISA, Rema and Tyla. Perry’s appearance has attracted media attention because of her public relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who attended the premiere of Perry’s “Lifetimes Tour” concert film at the Tribeca Festival in New York City. The U.S. ceremony will also include performances from the FIFA album, such as “Goals,” a collaboration between Anitta, LISA and Rema, and “Game Time,” featuring Future and Tyla.
Toronto’s match marks the first time Canada has hosted a FIFA World Cup game. The joint‑host arrangement with the United States and Mexico means that the opening ceremony will be a showcase of North American talent. The event is expected to draw a large television audience, as the World Cup is one of the most widely viewed sporting events worldwide.
Including well‑known Canadian artists in the opening ceremony underscores the country’s growing influence in global pop and rock music. Morissette, who has sold more than 60 million records worldwide and earned multiple Grammy and Juno awards, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the mid‑1990s. Her performance of “O Canada” is a nod to her status as a national icon.
The official FIFA World Cup 2026 album, released in March 2026, is part of FIFA’s strategy to promote the tournament through music. The album’s tracks are designed to be anthemic and energetic, suitable for stadiums and for listeners outside the sport. Cirkut’s comments about the album’s diversity reflect FIFA’s broader goal of celebrating the cultural richness of its host nations.
The opening ceremony in Toronto will conclude with the kickoff of Canada’s match against Bosnia‑Herzegovina. The ceremony is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before the game, allowing time for the national anthems, the performances and the traditional pre‑match rituals. The ceremony is a key moment in the 2026 World Cup, setting the tone for the tournament’s first day of play.
Morissette’s rendition of “O Canada” will be followed by a lineup that showcases the country’s musical diversity. The program includes Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, William Prince, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and Elyanna. Will Arnett, the Toronto‑born comedian and actor, will also appear as a FIFA World Cup ambassador for the 2026 tournament, while the Bosnian‑Herzegovinian anthem will be performed by Serbian‑born violinist Aleksandar Gajic.
The opening ceremony is part of FIFA’s broader effort to highlight host‑nation talent. The official FIFA World Cup 2026 album, produced by Canadian producer Cirkut, blends the musical styles of Canada, the United States and Mexico. One of the album’s tracks, “Illuminate,” is a collaboration between Canadian singer Jessie Reyez and Palestinian‑born artist Elyanna. In a Canadian Press interview, Cirkut said the project was intended to reflect the cultural diversity of the host countries, adding that each song was meant to bring a different flavour to the World Cup experience.
Across the border, the United States will host its own opening event on the same day. The U.S. program will feature Katy Perry, Anitta, Future, LISA, Rema and Tyla. Perry’s appearance has attracted media attention because of her public relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who attended the premiere of Perry’s “Lifetimes Tour” concert film at the Tribeca Festival in New York City. The U.S. ceremony will also include performances from the FIFA album, such as “Goals,” a collaboration between Anitta, LISA and Rema, and “Game Time,” featuring Future and Tyla.
Toronto’s match marks the first time Canada has hosted a FIFA World Cup game. The joint‑host arrangement with the United States and Mexico means that the opening ceremony will be a showcase of North American talent. The event is expected to draw a large television audience, as the World Cup is one of the most widely viewed sporting events worldwide.
Including well‑known Canadian artists in the opening ceremony underscores the country’s growing influence in global pop and rock music. Morissette, who has sold more than 60 million records worldwide and earned multiple Grammy and Juno awards, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the mid‑1990s. Her performance of “O Canada” is a nod to her status as a national icon.
The official FIFA World Cup 2026 album, released in March 2026, is part of FIFA’s strategy to promote the tournament through music. The album’s tracks are designed to be anthemic and energetic, suitable for stadiums and for listeners outside the sport. Cirkut’s comments about the album’s diversity reflect FIFA’s broader goal of celebrating the cultural richness of its host nations.
The opening ceremony in Toronto will conclude with the kickoff of Canada’s match against Bosnia‑Herzegovina. The ceremony is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before the game, allowing time for the national anthems, the performances and the traditional pre‑match rituals. The ceremony is a key moment in the 2026 World Cup, setting the tone for the tournament’s first day of play.