The FIFA World Cup 2026 is kicking off with unprecedented scale as Los Angeles prepares for a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla. The event is set for June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium, launching a continent-wide celebration for the first time in FIFA World Cup history.
The Opening Ceremony will begin 90 minutes before kickoff at 4:30 p.m. ET, ahead of the United States’ opening match against Paraguay. Organizers promise large-scale visuals and live performances that tie directly to the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, emphasizing both American cultural diversity and global unity.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the significance of this groundbreaking event, stating:
“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, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture.”
Fans attending the stadium can enter four hours early to enjoy exclusive fan experiences, interactive activations, and live programming leading up to the ceremony and game. This marks the first ever FIFA tournament to simultaneously host three opening ceremonies across the continent, with additional celebrations in Mexico City on June 11 and Toronto on June 12.
The simultaneous ceremonies embody FIFA’s concept of a “shared heartbeat” designed to unify fans across multiple time zones through a blend of football, music, and culture. In Mexico City, the opening match pits Mexico against South Africa, while Toronto’s ceremony precedes Canada’s first game versus Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 2026 World Cup will feature a record-breaking 104 matches played across 16 host cities spanning the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The tournament concludes with a climactic final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
For U.S. viewers, NBC’s Telemundo network holds exclusive Spanish-language rights, broadcasting every match live nationwide. Tickets and hospitality packages remain available through FIFA with ongoing releases ahead of the tournament.
As the countdown continues, the Los Angeles opening ceremony aims to electrify fans nationwide with a display of music, culture, and high-energy performances that reflect the United States’ role as a pivotal host in this historic FIFA World Cup.
