The World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies on June 12 included two celebrations ahead of Canada and the U.S. matches. Canada and the U.S. had their first World Cup matches on Day 2 of the tournament.
Alanis Morissette Sings Canada's National Anthem
Alanis Morissette represented her native Canada when she sang a moving rendition of the country's national anthem, "O Canada," during the Canadian opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 12.
The Ottawa native, who shot to stardom with her 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill," wore a red embellished jacket as she performed the song with fans in the stadium singing along with her.
The Canadian men's team, also dressed in red, stood nearby with their arms wrapped around one other as they joined in on the song's lyrics.
Aleksandar Gajić Performs Bosnia and Herzegovina's National Anthem
Aleksandar Gajić, a Serbian-born violinist who lives in Toronto, performed Bosnia and Herzegovina's national anthem during the Canadian opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gajić began studying violin in his native Yugoslavia at age 10 and went on to perform in the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra and Belgrade String Quartet before relocating to Toronto in 2002.
Michael Bublé Joins Sole Power Choir
National treasure Michael Bublé delivered a cover of Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me" with the help of the Sole Power Choir before the players took the pitch.
Bublé performed during the Parade of Nations on June 12, 2026 in Toronto. He crooned along to the '60s hit while surrounded by the choir and the flag bearers, who proudly held all 48 flags participating in the global competition.
The singer, dressed in all black, powerfully repeated "bring it home" before hitting the final note.
Will Arnett Welcomes Fans as FIFA Ambassador
Canadian-American actor Will Arnett proudly sang Canada's praises while appearing as a 2026 FIFA World Cup ambassador during the tournament's Canadian opening ceremony in Toronto on June 12.
Today, Toronto welcomes the world and Canada opens its heart to you.
Arnett said, addressing the crowd from the field at Toronto Stadium.
We are a country shaped by many journeys, many voices, many cultures, woven together into one living.
The former "Arrested Development" star continued.
It's the story of who we are, and today, alongside Mexico and the United States, we are proud to share this moment with the world and it's our honour, with a U, to welcome you from coast to coast to coast.
He concluded.
Arnett participated in several promotional events for this year's World Cup, including filming a video introducing viewers to his native Toronto.
Canada Honors the 48 Nations
Following a rousing introduction by actor and podcaster Will Arnett, Canada honored each of the 48 nations participating in the 2026 World Cup with a flag ceremony.
Flag bearers carried out flags for each of the 48 countries, ending with the three host nations: Mexico, the United States and Canada. The names of each country were also announced in French in a nod to Canada's large French-speaking population.
The crowd in Toronto booed the announcement of the U.S. flag before erupting in cheers for their native Canada. Singer Michael Bublé then performed amid the assemblage of flags.
The flag procession was part of the World Cup opening.
Bosnia and Herzegovina scored the first goal of the match, 21 minutes in. The goal came from 27-year-old Jovo Lukić.
