The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially on, and Los Angeles is set to steal the spotlight with a star-studded opening ceremony that promises to be a spectacle like no other. On June 12, the legendary SoFi Stadium will host a celebration blending soccer, music, and culture, as the United States kicks off the tournament against Paraguay.
FIFA has pulled out all the stops for this entertainment-driven event, announcing a lineup that reads like a global music festival headliner. Pop icon Katy Perry, Brazilian superstar Anitta, Nigerian sensation Rema, South African breakout Tyla, K-pop powerhouse LISA, and rap heavyweight Future are all set to perform. And with more artists expected to be revealed in the coming months, the energy is only building.
The ceremony will begin 90 minutes before kickoff, but fans are encouraged to arrive even earlier—stadium gates will open four hours before the match. FIFA plans to transform the venue into a hub of interactive fan activations, live entertainment, and pregame programming, making the entire experience as memorable as the game itself.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as a reflection of "the extraordinary scale" of the 2026 World Cup. "The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas," he said, "highlighting the nation's rich influence on music, entertainment, and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together."
This year's tournament is historic on multiple fronts. It's the first World Cup jointly hosted by three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—and the first expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches. In a groundbreaking move, FIFA will also host three separate opening ceremonies across the host countries. Mexico City will kick things off on June 11, followed by celebrations in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12.
The Los Angeles ceremony is expected to lean heavily into Hollywood-style production, with immersive storytelling, large-scale visuals, and live performances centered around the FIFA World Cup Trophy. Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the show aims to blend the best of sports and entertainment on a global stage.
For fans lucky enough to be at SoFi Stadium, this is more than just a match—it's a cultural moment. Whether you're there for the soccer, the music, or the spectacle, the 2026 World Cup opener is shaping up to be an unforgettable kickoff to the biggest tournament in history.