FIFA World Cup 2026, USA Opening Ceremony: Hollywood Meets Football As Katy Perry Rocks LA Before USA Vs Paraguay Match
The historic triple-launch of the FIFA World Cup 2026 culminated in a glittering US opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12. Pop superstar Katy Perry headlined with a dynamic performance alongside Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, and Tyla, giving off an unmissable Hollywood vibe. This was a follow-up to two previous ceremonies -- Mexico's vibrant opener at Estadio Azteca headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy performing 'Dai Dai', and Canada's celebration in Toronto led by Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette. Soon after the act, Perry was seen dashing off the stage as USA and Paraguay players took the pitch for Group D match. Coached by Mauricio Pochettino, the USMN took an early lead thanks to an own goal.
Puppeteers with characters Elmo and Cookie Monster from Sesame Street arrive on the red carpet for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Marcelo Balboa arrives on the red carpet for the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea
Paraguay's head coach Gustavo Alfaro arrives for their FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D match against the United States in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez
Fans arrived for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
Future, left, and Tyla perform during the opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
Future performs during the opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
LISA performs during the opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Flags of participating countries are displayed at midfield during an opening ceremony ahead of the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez
Katy Perry performs with Tius Luka during an opening ceremony ahead of the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez
Katy Perry performs during the opening ceremony ahead of the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Katy Perry heads off the stage after performing before the start of the World Cup Group D soccer match between Paraguay and the United States in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea
Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla (16) reacts after scoring an own goal during their FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D match against the United States in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
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