Jun
13,
2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially arrived in Los Angeles on June 12 with a spectacular opening ceremony that transformed SoFi Stadium into a global celebration of music, culture, and sport.
As the United States prepared to face Paraguay in the tournament’s opening match, FIFA delivered a Hollywood-sized production worthy of the world’s biggest sporting event.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the tournament launched with coordinated opening ceremonies across all three host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the United States—with Los Angeles serving as the centerpiece of America’s welcome to the world.
Before the music superstars took the stage, country duo Dan + Shay set the tone with a stirring performance of the U.S. national anthem. Paraguayan group Purahei Soul performed Paraguay’s national anthem, creating an emotional pre-match moment that underscored the international spirit of the tournament.
Actor and FIFA World Cup ambassador Jason Sudeikis also welcomed fans to Los Angeles, emphasizing the unifying power of football and helping kick off the festivities before the action moved to the field.
The night’s headline performance belonged to Katy Perry, who delivered a dazzling rendition of her song “Wonder” while dressed in a shimmering silver gown inspired by Hollywood glamour. Perry’s performance featured sweeping visuals, international flags, and a special appearance by young Norwegian singer Tius, creating one of the ceremony’s most memorable moments.
As one of the world’s biggest pop stars, Perry’s appearance underscored FIFA’s efforts to make the opening ceremony as much a cultural event as a sporting one.
Another major highlight came when BLACKPINK superstar LISA joined Brazilian sensation Anitta and Afrobeats star Rema for a performance of “Goals,” one of the tournament’s signature songs. Their performance brought together K-pop, Latin pop, and Afrobeats on one stage, reflecting the global nature of both modern music and the World Cup itself.
LISA’s appearance was particularly notable, marking another milestone in the growing global influence of K-pop on major international events.
The energy continued when rapper Future and South African superstar Tyla performed “Game Time,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem. The collaboration showcased the tournament’s modern musical identity, combining hip-hop, Afrobeats, and global pop influences in a performance designed to resonate across continents.
Beyond the performances, the ceremony leaned heavily into Los Angeles’ identity as the entertainment capital of the world. Massive stage elements, cinematic visuals, celebrity appearances, and crowd participation helped create an atmosphere more reminiscent of a major awards show than a traditional sporting event.
Among those spotted in attendance were high-profile celebrities including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, and Paris Hilton, adding even more star power to an already packed evening!
