The 2026 FIFA World Cup U.S. Opening Ceremony took place on June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, ahead of the Group D match between the United States and Paraguay. The event featured a star-studded lineup of performers and celebrity attendees, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
Pre-Match Entertainment and National Anthems
Dan + Shay kicked off the on-pitch proceedings by performing the U.S. national anthem. The men's national team stood with hands over hearts and sang along, while Tom Cruise, seated next to David and Victoria Beckham, joined in from the stands. The crowd's enthusiastic response after the performance set the tone for the evening. Paraguay's national anthem was performed by Purahei Soul.
The pre-match entertainment lineup included Future, Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla, Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta, LISA from K-pop group Blackpink, Remi, and headliner Katy Perry, who represented the local act. Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis led a mini-flag parade on the pitch. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended on behalf of the White House, as President Donald Trump was absent.
Celebrity Attendees and Red Carpet
The red carpet before the ceremony attracted celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Rob Lowe, Jaafar Jackson, Becky G, Josh Peck, Will Forte, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Inside the stadium, Owen Wilson and Sofia Vergara joined Tom Cruise and the Beckhams in the stands.
Tri-Nation Opening Events
The Los Angeles ceremony was one of three opening events across the tri-nation tournament. Canada's ceremony in Toronto on the same day featured Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyes, Nora Fatehi, and indigenous Manitoba artist William Prince. Mexico's opener on June 11 featured Shakira and Burna Boy.
Match Summary and Tournament Outlook
The game itself started decisively for the United States, with the team scoring within the first 10 minutes and leading 3-0 at halftime. The tournament runs through July 19, when the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the first halftime show in FIFA's near 100-year history. Coldplay's Chris Martin, Madonna, and Shakira are scheduled to headline. Forty-eight nations are competing across 16 host cities.
For the United States, the next task is converting a 3-0 halftime lead into three points. While the opening ceremony may be forgotten by the kickoff of the next match, the result will not.
