Canada's World Cup debut was a patriotic celebration of homegrown talent. The nation's biggest stars came together to support their squad in what organizers are calling an unforgettable opening ceremony.
Sources close to the production say there were last-minute negotiations over performance slots, with one Canadian music industry insider describing the backstage energy as 'tense but controlled.' Meanwhile, Reynolds' presence raised eyebrows — his Wrexham connection has soccer fans wondering about future tournament investments.
Alanis Morissette, 52, performed "O Canada" in a red patriotic jacket during Canada's June 12 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto's opening ceremony. Michael Bublé, 50, followed with Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me," backed by the Sole Power Choir before kickoff.
While Mexico stole headlines with Shakira's explosive return on June 11, Canada's quieter but star-studded ceremony proved this North American hosting trio won't be outdone. The real question: whose halftime show will dominate the final in New Jersey?
RYAN REYNOLDS showed up to Canada's World Cup opener like a man who owns a soccer team — because he does. The Deadpool star and Wrexham co-owner was spotted in the stands at Toronto's BMO Field on June 12, cheering on his native squad during their Group B match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. His presence alone sent social media into a frenzy, with fans noting how Reynolds has become Canada's unofficial ambassador to the global soccer stage. But Reynolds wasn't the only Canadian heavyweight bringing star power to the tournament's opening day. Alanis Morissette, 52, delivered what sources are calling a "stunning" rendition of "O Canada" while rocking a patriotic red jacket that screamed national pride. The Jagged Little Pill singer commanded the ceremony with the kind of vocal prowess that's made her an icon for three decades. Hot on her heels, Michael Bublé, 50, took to the stage in a sharp suit and treated fans to Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me" backed by the Sole Power Choir — because apparently Canada decided that if you're going to open a World Cup, you do it with full orchestral backup. The Canadian celebration came one day after Mexico's own star-studded spectacle on June 11 in Mexico City. Shakira made her triumphant return to World Cup stages performing "Dai Dai" alongside Burna Boy, while Salma Hayek Pinault officially welcomed the crowd ahead of Mexico vs. South Africa. J Balvin brought his signature energy with a medley of hits, and Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli joined KPop Demon Hunters star EJAE for the tournament's official anthem "DNA." Danny Ocean made history as the first Venezuelan artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony — a milestone that had the Latin music world buzzing well before he took the stage. The North American hosting trio is saving its biggest spectacle for last, though. Madonna, BTS, and Shakira are all confirmed for FIFA's first-ever World Cup Final Halftime Show scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — a three-nation collaboration that Chris Martin of Coldplay is curating. "There's singing and there's dancing and there's music," Martin shared during the May 13 announcement. "It's a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are." Katy Perry, meanwhile, teased she'll debut a never-before-performed song at SoFi Stadium on June 12 — her first World Cup opening ceremony performance stateside. The U.S. opener also features Future, Anitta, LISA, Tyla, Dan + Shay, and Rema. Canada's moment in the spotlight may have been more subdued than Mexico's explosive launch, but the message was clear: when your country hosts the world's biggest sporting event, you don't phone it in. You bring Alanis Morissette. You bring Michael Bublé. And you let Ryan Reynolds remind everyone that Canadian cool runs through Hollywood whether anyone wants to admit it or not.
