Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WHICH LATIN ARTISTS WILL PERFORM AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
The 2026 World Cup won't just be about soccer: it will also be about rhythm, Latin flavor, and mega musical performances. In this article, we'll tell you which Latin artists are already generating buzz to perform at the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony, and other World Cup events. From international stars to regional sensations, we'll analyze who could get millions of fans dancing in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. And yes, there are fun facts, music records, and all the soccer fever you expect.
Latinos Who Could Light Up the Show
In every World Cup, musical performances are part of the global spectacle. From Ricky Martin with "The Cup of Life" in France '98, to Shakira making history in South Africa 2010. For 2026, the expectation is enormous, and even more so because Mexico will be one of the host countries: that guarantees a Latin presence, flavor, and plenty of reggaeton.
The Names That Are Making Waves
Bad Bunny: The Puerto Rican is the most listened-to Latin artist in the world. She's already been to the Super Bowl and there are rumors she could be part of the opening ceremony.
Karol G: "La Bichota" is at the top of the global charts. Her explosive style and connection with young audiences make her an ideal candidate for a Fan Fest show or the closing act.
Peso Pluma: The phenomenon of modern regional Mexican music. He would be a very local and powerful act for stadiums in Mexico.
Shakira: It's impossible not to think about a triumphant return. Her connection to the World Cup and her global reach put her on the shortlist of favorites.
J Balvin: Another Colombian with global style. He has already collaborated with globally renowned artists and could be part of a multilingual show. And if we go by the numbers, Latin music is stronger than ever. In 2022, reggaeton and urban music dominated Spotify's global charts. Bad Bunny, for example, was the most streamed artist in the world three years in a row. What better calling card for a ceremony watched by more than a billion people?
What we know about the official ceremonies
Although FIFA has not yet officially revealed who will perform at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 World Cup, there are clues, leaks, and information from previous editions that give us an idea of what to expect. Furthermore, with three host countries (USA, Mexico, and Canada), each is expected to have its own musical highlight.
Expected formats and venues
Opening ceremony: It would take place at the Azteca Stadium (Mexico City), with a strong presence of Mexican and Latin American artists. Peso Pluma, Danna Paola, or Grupo Firme could be present.
Fan Fest and parallel concerts: In cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and Houston, open stages are planned with daily performances by regional artists and international surprises.
Closing ceremony: Possibly at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. There, a Super Bowl-style halftime show is rumored, with a mix of Anglo and Latin artists.
Official anthem: It hasn't been announced yet, but fans are asking for a new anthem with urban and tropical touches. Will it be a Bad Bunny–Karol G collaboration?
In Qatar 2022, international artists had less prominence in the ceremony, which generated some criticism. That's why, in 2026, FIFA is looking to return to epic shows, like those in Brazil 2014 or South Africa 2010, where music was the main attraction. And there, Latin artists are leading the way. Did you know that at the 2014 World Cup, Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez's performance of "We Are One" was watched by more than 1.1 billion people? That's more than any Champions League final. Music and football, when they come together, break all records.
How Latin Music Became Part of Global Football
It's no coincidence that Latin artists are increasingly present at global sporting events. The connection between football and Spanish-language music is deep, emotional, and above all, contagious. Every goal has a rhythm, and every fan base has a melody.
A phenomenon that goes beyond the stadium
In national team locker rooms, reggaeton, salsa, trap, and cumbia are the most common sounds. Players like Messi, Neymar, and Vinicius have shared playlists full of Latin artists.
The unofficial anthems of each World Cup are often Latin.
“Waka Waka,” “La La La,” “Live It Up,” and “We Are One” have a Latin soul, even though they are multilingual. Latin music is universal: from a fan in Buenos Aires to one in Tokyo, everyone can sing along to a Bad Bunny chorus or dance to Maluma. Social media amplifies everything. A TikTok video with Karol G's music can go viral in the middle of a Cristiano Ronaldo or Kylian Mbappé play. More and more artists are becoming ambassadors for sports brands or national teams. Ozuna even posed in a Mexico jersey in a video! Furthermore, let's not forget that the 2026 World Cup will be held in a country with millions of Latinos. In the United States alone, there are more than 60 million Spanish speakers. In cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami, Latin culture is dominant. This will directly influence the tournament's music, both inside and outside the stadiums. So, if you're a fan of soccer and music, get ready for a World Cup filled with reggaeton, cumbia, pop, and excitement. Because this 2026, the goals will be celebrated... to the rhythm of Latin music!
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