Activists cover FIFA logo at World Cup 2026 opening in Toronto
The BMO Field ceremony was overshadowed by calls for FIFA to expel Israel from membership.
The opening of the 2026 World Cup at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, on Friday (12/6) local time featured not only a lineup of musicians, but also a protest outside the stadium. Several activists covered the FIFA logo with a banner reading “KICK ISRAEL OUT OF FIFA,” demanding that the federation expel Israel from membership. Inside the stadium, the opening ceremony featured Alanis Morissette, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, William Prince, Elyanna, DJ Sanjoy, Vegedream, and Alessia Cara. Nora Fatehi and Vegedream performed “Siir Siir,” while Michael Bublé sang “Bring it on Home” and Alanis Morissette closed the pregame lineup with “O Canada”.