Staff Reporter
New York: The FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin with a spectacular celebration across North America, headlined by a landmark opening ceremony in Los Angeles, widely regarded as the entertainment capital of the world. The event will unite football, music and entertainment on an unprecedented global stage.
On Friday, June 12, the United States will officially welcome the world to Los Angeles for a historic moment in FIFA World Cup history. The opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium will launch a summer of football defined by culture, excitement and the unifying spirit of the game.
Global music stars Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the celebrations, with more internationally renowned performers expected to be announced. The ceremony promises a high-energy showcase reflecting the scale, ambition and cultural influence of the tournament.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” said Gianni Infantino. “The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s strong influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to unite people.”
Fans attending the event are encouraged to arrive early to fully experience the festivities. The ceremony will begin 90 minutes before kick-off at 4:30pm local time, while stadium gates will open four hours before the match. Supporters will enjoy exclusive activations, live entertainment, rewards and pre-match programming throughout the venue.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will be staged across host nations, with celebrations taking place in Mexico City on June 11 and in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12, as Canada, Mexico and the United States jointly launch the tournament.
The celebrations across borders and time zones will be connected by the shared passion and rhythm of football, bringing together players and millions of fans worldwide.
Produced in collaboration with Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony will showcase the identity, ambition and creative spirit of both Los Angeles and the United States, all centred around the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy. Through immersive storytelling, large-scale visuals and live performances, the event aims to celebrate national culture while creating a moment of continental and global unity unlike any seen before in football.
The United States will face Paraguay in the tournament’s opening match. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities, beginning on June 11 in Mexico City and concluding with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
