Global Beats, Football Dreams: Katy Perry And Lisa Electrify FIFA Opening Show
Global stars headline FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in LA.
The United States leg of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening celebrations turned into a star-studded spectacle on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where global music icons Katy Perry, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and rapper Future headlined a high-energy ceremony marking the start of the tournament’s US matches. The event formed part of a series of three official opening ceremonies across North America, celebrating the co-hosted World Cup involving the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Katy Perry delivered one of the most talked-about performances of the night, opening with an emotional rendition of her track “Wonder” just minutes before kickoff of the United States’ match against Paraguay. She was joined on stage by Tius Luka, a young collaborator who originally recorded the song with her in 2021. The performance began with Perry holding Luka’s hand as he sang the opening line, creating a moment that quickly went viral among fans. Perry’s shimmering silver outfit also drew widespread attention for its bold, futuristic design.
The ceremony also showcased global pop and hip-hop talent as Future and Tyla performed “Game Time,” one of the official tracks from the FIFA World Cup 2026 music lineup. Their performance brought an energetic stadium atmosphere as fans prepared for the start of competitive action in the US. The blend of music and sport underscored FIFA’s continued push to position World Cup ceremonies as global entertainment events beyond football alone.
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K-pop star Lisa of BLACKPINK also took center stage, joining Brazilian singer Anitta and Nigerian artist Rema for a performance of the track “Goals” from the official World Cup album. Lisa appeared in a white performance outfit paired with sports-inspired styling, performing alongside choreographed dancers in a dynamic stage production that reflected the tournament’s global and youthful branding. The collaboration highlighted the event’s multicultural lineup and its emphasis on worldwide audience appeal.
The Los Angeles ceremony followed earlier opening events held in Mexico City and Toronto, each featuring internationally recognised artists. The Mexico City event included performances by Shakira and Burna Boy, while the Toronto ceremony featured appearances by Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, and Bollywood actor Nora Fatehi. Together, these events set the tone for what is expected to be one of the most expansive World Cup celebrations in history.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, the largest edition of the tournament to date, will feature 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament officially began on June 11 and is scheduled to conclude with the final on July 19, with organizers emphasizing a blend of sport, culture, and global entertainment throughout the competition.
