Being selected to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony is a milestone that few artists ever experience, and for Sanjoy Deb, it represents the culmination of years of passion, creativity, and cultural expression.

As the world’s biggest festival prepares to unite billions of fans across the globe, Sanjoy’s music became part of the tournament’s vibrant cultural identity at the opening ceremony in Canada.

In an exclusive conversation with TBS Graduates, Sanjoy offers a fascinating insight into how music can transcend borders and connect people through the universal language of sport.

The feeling

“It all happened so fast,” said Sanjoy when asked about the selection process he went through.

Earlier this year, in 2026, Sanjoy worked as the producer and songwriter behind ‘Sajan Re’, a track featuring Nora Fatehi and Badshah. That project established a professional working relationship between Sanjoy and Nora before they reunited for the FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem ‘Siir Siir’.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Toronto, he wore a specially designed outfit that included strong Bangladeshi elements. While most reports highlighted a jacket with national symbols, many viewers also focused on the bold red theme connected to Bangladesh’s flag colours, which gave the look a striking red-outfit impression on stage.

The three-minute performance represented Bangladesh on the global stage wholeheartedly.

What made the performance go viral wasn’t just the colour. It was how he kept pointing to the design during his performance, showing symbols like the Bengal tiger and water lily on his outfit, which audiences interpreted as proudly representing Bangladesh on one of the world’s biggest stages.

“We spent so much time creating the outfit, rehearsing, preparing, and dreaming about this moment. Then suddenly you’re standing on a FIFA World Cup stage,” replied Sanjoy when asked how he felt performing in the outfit live.

The foundation

Sanjoy Deb’s musical journey began at a very young age. He learned Indian classical music and tabla from around the age of four. He was influenced by his mother, who was a trained singer, and his grandmother, who introduced him to music through lullabies. After moving to the United States in 2004, he continued developing his musical skills, blending South Asian and Western influences.

Sanjoy has played shows across multiple continents, including cities such as Amsterdam and venues throughout the United States and South Asia. He has collaborated with international artists and built a global reputation as an EDM producer and DJ.

After the performance, gratitude was the first feeling Sanjoy felt. He thought about his parents, his grandma, and his grandpa, who is sadly no longer with them.

“I know my grandpa is watching, my team, and everyone who’s been part of this journey.”

A proud Sanjoy told TBS.

A certain sense of self-reflection was also ever-present in his voice.

“I am also watching the younger version of myself who used to dream about moments like this.”

Growing up, he never imagined that one day he would be performing at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. So, standing there and seeing it become real was incredibly emotional for Sanjoy.

“I genuinely feel like this is just the beginning.”

Regarding his target of performing on stages, for Sanjoy it has never been about one moment or one stage. It’s always been about building a global career and creating music that connects people across cultures. For now, he is focused on continuing to tell the story of connecting people through new music coupled with live shows around the world.

“We have a lot of music coming, and after seeing the response to ‘Siir Siir’, I’m more inspired than ever.”

Upon being asked what this performance on the global stage had taught him, Sanjoy said that FIFA taught him that music has the power to bring the entire world together.

“I want to keep chasing that feeling,” concluded Sanjoy.