The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off with a spectacular opening ceremony in Los Angeles set to rock the nation on June 12. Fans across the United States are gearing up as global music icons Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla are confirmed to perform at Los Angeles Stadium starting at 4:30 p.m. ET, 90 minutes before the tournament’s opening match between the United States and Paraguay.
This year’s World Cup breaks new ground with three simultaneous opening ceremonies spanning North America. Alongside Los Angeles, Mexico City and Toronto will host celebrations on June 11 and June 12 respectively, marking the first time FIFA stages multi-city launches for a single tournament.
Stadium gates in LA will open four hours early to welcome fans to an immersive experience packed with activations and live programming. The event, creatively produced with Balich Wonder Studio, promises large-scale visuals centered around the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, delivering a powerful message of national pride and global unity.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, said: “This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become. The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas…”
With 104 matches spread across 16 host cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada, this tournament is the largest in World Cup history. The opening game kicks off in Mexico City with Mexico facing South Africa, while Canada’s ceremony coincides with its match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
US viewers will catch every moment as Telemundo serves as the exclusive Spanish-language broadcaster, complementing NBC’s coverage. Tickets and hospitality packages remain available through FIFA, continuing to fuel excitement for what promises to be a record-breaking summer of football.
For American sports and music fans, this opening ceremony is not just an event—it’s a cultural milestone showcasing the intersection of sportsmanship, entertainment, and diverse global voices arriving on home soil. Stay tuned as additional artists are set to be announced, adding to the lineup’s star power.
