SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles served as the spectacular venue for the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which took place on June 12. The event featured an impressive array of musical performances and marked the start of the world’s most celebrated football tournament.
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Headlining the ceremony was pop icon Katy Perry, who performed her new single “Wonder” live for the first time. The 41-year-old singer was joined on stage by 10-year-old Norwegian sensation Tius, enchanting the audience with their collaboration. Perry dazzled spectators in a striking silver ensemble from Stella McCartney’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection while surrounded by international flags, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
In a pre-performance post on Instagram, Perry shared her enthusiasm for Tius, introducing him to her fans. “That little voice you’re listening to right now is Tius,” she noted in a heartfelt video. Following their performance, she expressed her joy in a backstage photo shared online, captioning it, “Brought a little ‘Wonder’ to the @fifaworldcup in Los Angeles with @tiusluka✨⚽️.”
Katy Perry’s rendition of “Wonder” was particularly significant, as it marked the first time the song was performed live. During a preview event at the Tribeca Festival for her upcoming concert film, “Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour — Live from Paris,” she hinted at her excitement over singing an unperformed song at such a monumental occasion. “It’s very fitting for the ceremonial song that I get to sing,” she stated, expressing her anticipation.
The opening ceremony was not solely focused on music; it was also a grand celebration of culture and sports. SoFi Stadium provided an exclusive match day experience for numerous celebrities and sports fans alike, offering VIP access to enjoy the excitement of the day. The highlight match featured the U.S. men’s national team taking on Paraguay, resulting in a commanding 4-1 victory for the hosts.
Many high-profile figures attended the match, including Justin and Hailey Bieber, David Beckham, Tom Cruise, Chloe Bailey, and Sterling K. Brown, among others. Their presence added to the electric atmosphere, blending the worlds of entertainment and sports at this momentous event.
Los Angeles was the last stop for a series of World Cup opening celebrations that commenced earlier in the week. On June 11, both Mexico City and Toronto hosted their own ceremonies, setting the stage for the main event in Los Angeles. Mexico City’s opening included performances from Shakira and Burna Boy, who sang the official World Cup song “Dai Dai,” alongside notables like J Balvin and Los Angeles Azules.
The next match for the U.S. team is scheduled for June 19 in Seattle against Australia, marking another significant moment in their World Cup journey. Football fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the tournament unfolds as it continues to draw attention from around the globe.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a celebration that transcends sports, uniting music, culture, and international camaraderie. With SoFi Stadium as the backdrop, the opening ceremony not only ushered in a month of exhilarating football but also showcased the powerful intersection of entertainment and the sports world.