Los Angeles Kicks Off 2026 World Cup with Star-Studded Opening Ceremony
Published June 13, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began in spectacular fashion in Los Angeles, with nearly 70,000 fans witnessing the opening match between the United States and Paraguay, preceded by an elaborate ceremony featuring global music stars.
Published — local time around the world
The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced with an electrifying opening ceremony and match in Los Angeles, marking a historic moment for the tournament. SoFi Stadium, temporarily renamed Los Angeles Stadium for the event, was the epicenter of the global football celebration, drawing close to 70,000 enthusiastic supporters for the curtain-raiser between co-hosts United States and Paraguay.
Fans, many draped in patriotic red, white, and blue, poured into the state-of-the-art venue, creating an atmosphere of palpable excitement that had been decades in the making. The pre-match festivities were a star-studded affair, showcasing performances by acclaimed artists such as Future, Tyla, and California's own Katy Perry, who entertained the massive crowd ahead of kickoff. The field itself transformed into a dynamic stage, featuring a giant silhouette of the United States stretching across the pitch, complemented by synchronized drummers and performers.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was jubilant, reflecting the immense pride and anticipation surrounding the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup hosted across three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the focus was on the spectacle, robust security measures were evident outside the venue, ensuring a safe environment for all attendees. This grand opening sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable summer of football, with matches scheduled across 16 venues from June to July 2026.