Katy Perry and Global Stars Ignite 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
A Global Celebration in Los Angeles
Katy Perry represented for all the California Gurls on Friday night (June 12) when she headlined the 2026 FIFA World Cup USA Opening Ceremony at Inglewood’s Los Angeles Stadium, typically known as SoFi Stadium. The event featured a powerhouse global lineup, including LISA, Anitta, Tyla, Rema, Future, Dan + Shay, and Purahei Soul.
Future and Tyla set the tone 90 minutes before kick-off with a high-energy performance of their 2026 World Cup anthem, “Game Time.” They were followed by LISA, Anitta, and Rema, who brought the official World Cup track “Goals” to life. After a brief intermission, Katy Perry took the field alongside 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka for a moving rendition of her 2024 song “Wonder,” set against a backdrop of flags from every participating nation.
Anthems and International Flair
The ceremony concluded with a blend of national pride and country music charm. Purahei Soul performed the Paraguayan national anthem, while the country duo Dan + Shay delivered a stirring version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” just before the match commenced. The U.S. Men’s National Team went on to secure a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, setting a strong pace for their upcoming match against Australia on June 19.
This event marked the final of three opening ceremonies for the 2026 World Cup. The festivities began in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca, featuring performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, and others, followed by a Canadian celebration at Toronto’s BMO Field with Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, and Alessia Cara.
Musical Highlights
- Katy Perry: Joined by Tius Luka for the live debut of “Wonder,” emphasizing themes of innocence and growth.
- LISA, Anitta & Rema: The trio united for “Goals,” showcasing a high-energy, synchronized performance that highlighted the global nature of the tournament.
- Future & Tyla: The pair opened the night with “Game Time,” delivering a gritty, performance-driven start to the festivities.
- Dan + Shay and Purahei Soul: Provided the formal musical bookends to the evening with their respective national anthems, highlighted by a surprise cameo from Tom Cruise and David Beckham.

