World Cup kicks off in the US with performances from Katy Perry, Future and Tyla
- The United States have marked their first World Cup on home soil since 1994 with a vibrant, high-energy opening ceremony in Los Angeles.
- Southern California native Katy Perry took to the stage minutes before the players entered the pitch, after earlier performances from East Coast rapper Future and other chart-toppers.
- The USA team are now facing Paraguay, after Canada debuted earlier on Friday, and Mexico saw its first match
- The USA team are now facing Paraguay, after Canada debuted earlier on Friday, and Mexico saw its first match on Thursday.
- The 2026 tournament is being hosted in all three countries and is set to be the largest ever, with 48 nations competing.
- Also performing in LA were Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta and LISA, from the K-pop group Blackpink.
Earlier, Canada hosted its own opening ceremony in Toronto, featuring singers Alanis Morrisette and Michael Bublé, while the match in Mexico City featured featured Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
Ahead of the game, thousands of fans headed to the Los Angeles Coliseum, including four dressed as iconic American greats Elvis Presley, George Washington, Uncle Sam and Davy Crockett.
“Los Angeles is a great city. A lot of different people. A lot of different communities,” said Tommy Paun, dressed as Elvis.