Star-Studded Opening Ceremony Kicks Off FIFA World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles
Published June 13, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began with a dazzling opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, featuring an array of global music stars and celebrities ahead of the host nation's first match.
Published — local time around the world
The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced with an extravagant opening ceremony on June 12, 2026, held at the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. This grand event served as the prelude to the Group D fixture between co-hosts USA and Paraguay, setting a vibrant tone for the tournament that will see 48 teams compete across North America.
A constellation of musical talent graced the stage, electrifying the capacity crowd. Pop superstar Katy Perry headlined the festivities, delivering a memorable performance as the local act. She was joined by an international roster of artists, including American rapper Future, South African sensation Tyla, K-pop idol LISA from Blackpink, Brazilian star Anitta, and Remi. The ceremony also featured country duo Dan + Shay performing the U.S. national anthem, while Purahei Soul presented Paraguay's anthem, ensuring a truly global celebration.
The event attracted numerous high-profile attendees from the worlds of film, sports, and entertainment. Among the celebrities spotted enjoying the spectacle were actor Tom Cruise, football icon David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham, socialite Paris Hilton, and "Ted Lasso" star Jason Sudeikis, who also participated in a mini-flag parade on the pitch. Following the ceremonial pomp, the focus shifted to the pitch, where the U.S. national team quickly asserted dominance, leading Paraguay 3-0 by halftime, with their first goal arriving within the opening ten minutes.