Katy Perry Headlines Star-Studded USA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced its North American run of festivities with a dazzling opening ceremony hosted in the United States on Friday, June 12. Pop sensation Katy Perry took center stage as the headliner at Inglewood’s Los Angeles Stadium, widely known as SoFi Stadium, marking a significant moment for the tournament which is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This grand event was the final of three distinct opening ceremonies across the host nations, setting the stage for the highly anticipated global football spectacle.

The pre-match entertainment was a global affair, featuring an eclectic mix of musical talent. Future and Tyla ignited the crowd with their 2026 World Cup anthem, “Game Time,” while LISA, Anitta, and Rema contributed another track from the official tournament album, titled “Goals.” Perry's performance included her 2024 hit “Wonder,” where she was joined by 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka, surrounded by the flags of the 48 participating nations, symbolizing unity and the worldwide reach of the competition.

Further cultural contributions saw Purahei Soul deliver the Paraguayan national anthem, followed by country duo Dan + Shay performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The ceremony culminated just before the USA Men’s National Team faced Paraguay in their inaugural match of the tournament. The American side secured a dominant 4-1 victory, providing a thrilling start to their World Cup campaign. The previous day, Mexico had also hosted its own opening celebration at Estadio Azteca ahead of its first game, featuring an array of artists including Shakira and J Balvin.