The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off with an explosive, star-studded opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, setting the stage for a historic tournament across North America. Fans will experience live performances from global superstars including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla starting at 4:30 p.m. ET, 90 minutes before the United States faces Paraguay in the opening match hosted on U.S. soil.
This moment marks the first time in FIFA World Cup history that multiple opening ceremonies will take place across three countries, creating a continent-wide celebration. Alongside Los Angeles, Mexico City and Toronto will host their own significant ceremonies on June 11 and June 12, spotlighting the tournament’s unique “shared heartbeat” concept — uniting fans across time zones through music, culture, and football.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, emphasized the unprecedented scale of the events.
“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,”
Infantino said, underscoring the power of music to bring people together across the country.
Organizers promise an immersive, unforgettable fan experience as stadium gates open four hours early, featuring interactive activations and live programming ahead of kickoff. The Los Angeles ceremony is produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio and will feature large-scale visuals alongside live performances connected to the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, symbolizing both national pride and global unity.
The broader 2026 World Cup tournament spans three host countries with a record-setting 104 matches across 16 U.S. cities, Mexico, and Canada. Matches begin with Mexico City’s opening match and celebration on June 11, followed by Canada’s ceremony the next day as their team faces Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the United States, all matches will air exclusively on NBC’s sister network Telemundo in Spanish. Fans eager to attend can still purchase tickets and hospitality packages through FIFA with releases continuing as the event approaches.
With the world’s eyes turning to Los Angeles this June 12, the opening ceremony promises to deliver a vibrant, multicultural spectacle that reflects the diverse fabric of American society and the global spirit of football. Delaware fans and U.S. viewers everywhere are set for an electrifying kick-off that combines sport and entertainment like never before.
