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The United States has staged a star-studded, Hollywood-style opening ceremony to mark the beginning of the 2026 World Cup on its soil, ahead of its opening match in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
The spectacle took place at the SoFi Stadium—temporarily renamed the Los Angeles Stadium—where a booming voiceover welcomed fans, declaring: “Welcome to the USA,” as images of the Hollywood sign were projected onto giant screens.
A marching band kicked off the ceremony before being joined by a lineup of performers, including Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop star Lisa. The show featured costumes and visuals inspired by Los Angeles street art and the city’s creative industries.
Actors Jason Sudeikis and singer Katy Perry were also billed to perform shortly before kickoff.
According to AFP, celebrities including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson, and Paris Hilton were among those in attendance as dancers performed around a giant World Cup trophy placed at the centre of the pitch.
Large golden “FIFA” letters hung from the roof of the 70,000-seat stadium, while fans—many dressed as Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, and bald eagles—filled the stands.
Former US President Donald Trump, whose signature colour theme was reflected in the gold décor, did not attend but reportedly spoke to the team by phone, wishing them success.
“I think you’ve a really good chance of going all the way. I just want to wish you a lot of luck,” he was quoted as saying.
Supporters in the stadium greeted the players with a mix of cheers and boos as the United States faced Paraguay in their opening match. Tickets for the event reportedly reached as high as $1,900, with fans travelling in for the occasion.
“There is belief that we can go all the way,” said US supporter Isaac Pizarro, who attended with his son.
Paraguayan fans were also present in large numbers, waving flags amid a sea of red, white, and blue.
On the pitch, US centre-back Chris Richards overcame injury doubts to start the match, while Paraguay winger Julio Enciso also featured in the lineup.
Fellow co-hosts Mexico and Canada had earlier begun their campaigns with separate opening ceremonies. Mexico defeated South Africa 2–0, while Canada earned a 1–1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their tournament opener, according to AFP.
