World Cup kicks off in US with Hollywood-style opening ceremony
The 2026 World Cup has started in the US with a grand opening ceremony in Los Angeles, featuring celebrities and musicians. The third co-host, the US, faced Paraguay in their opener.
World Cup begins in the US
On Friday, June 13, 2026, the World Cup arrived in the United States with a Hollywood-style opening ceremony at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, temporarily renamed the Los Angeles Stadium. Giant screens showed a close-up of the city's famous Hollywood sign, and a booming voiceover announced, "Welcome to the USA."
Celebrities including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson, and Paris Hilton watched performances by musicians Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop singer Lisa. Costumes and props were designed to evoke Los Angeles street art and creative industries. Actor Jason Sudeikis and singer Katy Perry were scheduled to perform shortly before kickoff.
Suspended from the stadium's roof were enormous "FIFA" letters in gold, a colour favoured by US President Donald Trump, who did not attend. Instead, he spoke to the team by phone, wishing them luck and saying they had a good chance of going all the way.
US fans, many dressed as Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, or bald eagles, booed the Paraguay players as they appeared for warm-ups. Fan Isaac Pizarro, who paid $1,900 per ticket to attend with his son, expressed belief that the US could go all the way. However, South American supporters also showed up in force, with many Paraguay flags visible.
US centre-back Chris Richards overcame injury doubt to be named in the starting XI, as did dangerous Paraguay winger Julio Enciso.
Fellow co-hosts Mexico and Canada have already played their first matches. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, while Canada came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw and their first-ever World Cup finals point against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
