The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off with a spectacular entertainment showcase in Los Angeles, as FIFA unveiled a star-studded lineup for the tournament’s opening ceremony in what promises to be one of the most ambitious launches in World Cup history.
Global music stars Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla are set to headline the ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The event, scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off, will officially launch a month-long football spectacle across North America, blending football, music and entertainment in a celebration designed to reflect the cultural diversity and global appeal of the tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the ceremony as a defining moment for the competition.
“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, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together,” Infantino said.
Fans attending the event will be encouraged to arrive early, with stadium gates opening four hours before kick-off to allow access to entertainment activations, live programming and interactive fan experiences throughout the venue.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will be staged across the host nations, beginning in Mexico City on June 11 before continuing in Toronto and Los Angeles the following day.
FIFA said the ceremonies would be united by the theme of a “shared heartbeat,” symbolising the passion of players and fans across borders and time zones.
Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the Los Angeles ceremony will feature large-scale visuals, immersive storytelling and live performances centred around the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The United States will face Paraguay in the opening match of the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, beginning on June 11 in Mexico City and ending with the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026.
