The United States has officially marked its first World Cup on home soil since 1994, launching a vibrant, high-energy opening ceremony in Los Angeles. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be the largest in FIFA history, featuring an expanded format of 48 competing nations.
A Star-Studded Opening in Los Angeles
The atmosphere at the Los Angeles Coliseum was nothing short of electric. Southern California native Katy Perry took to the stage minutes before the players entered the pitch, delivering a spectacular performance. The musical lineup in LA also featured a heavy-hitting roster of global talent, including East Coast rapper Future, Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla, Brazilian sensation Anitta, and LISA from the mega K-pop group Blackpink.
The celebrity sightings extended far beyond the stage. Hollywood turned up in full force in the spectator stands, with A-listers like Tom Cruise, Owen Wilson, Paris Hilton, and Sofia Vergara cheering along. Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis even took to the pitch to lead a mini-flag parade ahead of the USA’s dominant 4-1 victory against Paraguay.
Representing the White House at the event was US State Secretary Marco Rubio, as President Donald Trump did not attend the opening match.
Historical Milestones in Canada and Protest in Mexico
The celebrations were just as massive across the borders. Canada hosted its own opening ceremony in Toronto at a packed stadium. Canadian icon Alanis Morissette performed a powerful rendition of the national anthem, while Michael Bublé, accompanied by a choir, led the stadium in a rousing crowd-singalong. The Canadian lineup also highlighted the country’s rich diversity, featuring Alessia Cara, Palestinian singer-songwriter Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, and Indigenous artist William Prince.
On the pitch, Canada made national history by securing a tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking their first-ever point in a World Cup tournament. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney missed the match due to a working trip in France ahead of the G7 summit.
Meanwhile, Thursday’s opening match in Mexico City featured unforgettable performances by Shakira and Nigerian star Burna Boy. Notably, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum skipped the game entirely, stating her absence was a formal protest against the tournament’s exceptionally high ticket prices.
Fans Paying a Fortune for a “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Experience
The sheer excitement of the tournament has driven fans to extreme lengths to be part of history. Outside the venues, thousands of supporters gathered, including a group of four American fans dressed as Elvis Presley, George Washington, Uncle Sam, and Davy Crockett, who revealed they paid $1,900 each just for admission.
“We don’t even know where we’re sitting yet. We know that we paid a fortune for the tickets,” said Jonny Haug, dressed as Crockett. Others traveled over 2,200 miles from Detroit dressed as Mario and Luigi, joking that they “spent too many coins” but emphasizing that the atmosphere was entirely worth it to watch the most beautiful sport in the world.
FIFA is already planning to carry this star-studded momentum all the way to the final game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. The closing ceremony will feature FIFA’s first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show in its 100-year history, with headliners already confirmed to include Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Madonna, and a returning Shakira.
Source: FIFA Official Media / EchoPress Newsroom
