Anyone tuning into Canada’s first 2026 FIFA World Cup match on Friday afternoon at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) would have no problem identifying the location thanks to an opening ceremony drenched in red and white colours.
The patriotic display began with Aboriginal dancers and a land acknowledgement spoken by musical artist William Prince, who held the hand of a young female soccer player. A large gold soccer ball in the centre of the normally green pitch, covered in red fabric, was unveiled to reveal singer Alessia Cara inside.
Cara, wearing a custom-made red and white adidas suit, performed her hit Wild Things, surrounded by dancers carrying flags and joined by oversized origami creatures shaped like a whale, moose, and bear.
Performances by Nora Fatehi, Jessie Reyez, and Elyanna
Following Cara, Nora Fatehi appeared in a more provocative red and white outfit, joined by Sanjoy and Vegedream to sing Siir Siir. Later, singers Jessie Reyez and Elyanna, dressed in belly-baring red and white outfits respectively, performed Illuminate together with dancers and fireworks.
Michael Buble's Humorous Pre-Recorded Clip
The funniest moment came when Michael Buble, in a pre-shot video, claimed to forget Canada was playing Bosnia and Herzegovina despite a reminder call from TSN’s James Duffy. “Oh, my God,” said Buble after hanging up. “Okay, Canada, the world is coming and I need to bring us together and I’ve got nothing.” He then shouted from his front door: “Canada! What do you care about?” His neighbour responded: “I care about you shutting up!”
Buble sought advice via Facetime from Canadian athletes like sprinter Andre De Grasse, soccer star Christine Sinclair, and basketball player Steve Nash. “This is easy,” said Nash. “It starts with a great track!” Buble replied, “Start with Celine, Shania, Bieber…” Nash interjected with “Nickelback!”
Later, Buble appeared on the Toronto pitch after the 48 participating nations’ flags were marched onto the field, singing Bring It On Home To Me backed by a choir in white and pale blue. “This is our moment,” said Buble. “The World Cup on home soil. Stand up Canada, this is our coming out party.”
Will Arnett and Alanis Morissette
Earlier, FIFA World Cup 2026 Ambassador Will Arnett stood in the centre of the field to welcome the world. “Canada opens its heart to you!” said Arnett. Then Alanis Morissette performed Canada’s national anthem after Aleksandar Gajić played Bosnia and Herzegovina’s anthem on a violin. Morissette, in a shiny red satin jacket and black pants, handled the assignment with her big, booming voice, followed by a flyover by the red and white Snowbirds.
Among the crowd were Canadian celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers.
