By KELU MUSA

Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has been named among international music stars set to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FIFA made the announcement in a statement posted on its official Instagram handle on Saturday.

FIFA said South African star Tyla, American rapper Future, pop icon Katy Perry, Brazilian singer Anitta and BLACKPINK member LISA will join Rema on stage at the Los Angeles Stadium.

According to the football governing body, three opening ceremonies will be held separately across the three host countries, with the United States’ celebration holding on June 12.

FIFA said ceremonies will also be held on June 11 in Mexico City and on June 12 in Toronto, Canada, combining football, music and entertainment in what it described as a “historic summer” across the North American countries.

“For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, a new benchmark will be set as three spectacular opening ceremonies unfold across Mexico City (11 June), Toronto and Los Angeles (12 June).

“Global superstars Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the celebrations in Los Angeles, with additional world-renowned artists still to be announced.

“Together, they will bring the sound of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to life for a global audience, delivering a high-energy spectacle that reflects the scale, ambition and cultural power of the tournament itself,” it said.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, described the lineup as a reflection of cultural diversity and the unifying power of music and sports.

The World Cup will kick off on June 11, featuring a record 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The opening match is between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, while the final is slated to hold on Sunday July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

NAN reports that Rema has continued to gain international recognition following the global success of his hit song “Calm Down” and several performances on major international stages.

The “Heis” crooner has also made history as the first African artiste to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, when he thrilled audience at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France. (NAN)

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