TORONTO, CANADA June 12, 2026 — The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off in style on Friday as co-host Canada hosted its opening ceremony at BMO Field (Toronto Stadium) ahead of the national team’s Group Stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The pre-match show featured a diverse lineup of Canadian and international artists, but one standout moment drew particular attention: Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna performing in a keffiyeh.
Elyanna, known for blending Arabic influences with contemporary pop, joined Canadian artist Jessie Reyez for a high-energy performance of their collaborative track “Illuminate”, one of the official singles from the FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack. Elyanna took center stage in a flowing white Arab-inspired outfit adorned with Palestinian tatreez embroidery, with a keffiyeh-style scarf tied around her waist. The duo delivered choreography that energized the crowd, standing out in a ceremony otherwise dominated by red tones.
The ceremony, which took place about 90 minutes before kickoff, celebrated Canada’s multicultural identity and the global spirit of the tournament. Other performers included Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Alanis Morissette (who sang the Canadian national anthem), Nora Fatehi, William Prince, and more. FIFA World Cup Ambassador Will Arnett also made a special appearance.
Elyanna, who has Chilean and Palestinian roots, has been vocal about her heritage. Her appearance quickly went viral on social media, with supporters praising the representation and others debating the political symbolism of the keffiyeh during a major international sporting event.
On the pitch, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Bosnia and Herzegovina took the lead in the 21st minute through Jovo Lukić, but substitute Cyle Larin equalized for Canada in the 78th minute, securing the co-hosts’ first-ever World Cup point.
The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, continues with matches across all three nations. Elyanna’s performance is already being hailed by many as a highlight of the opening night.
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