Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jun 12
USA Opens World Cup 2026 With Katy Perry, Future Show Before Paraguay Match
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jun 12

USA Opens World Cup 2026 With Katy Perry, Future Show Before Paraguay Match

3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jun 12

Summary

  • SoFi Stadium staged the USA’s World Cup opener with Katy Perry headlining the final pre-match ceremony, joined by Future ahead of kickoff against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
  • Los Angeles closed a three-city launch sequence after earlier opening shows in Mexico City and Toronto, with Shakira, Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette among the performers across the co-host nations.
  • Donald Trump did not attend the opener, with the White House citing a tight schedule before his 80th birthday weekend in Washington; Secretary of State Mark Rubio was set to lead the U.S. delegation instead.
  • The match opens a U.S. group containing Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, while the tournament has already drawn scrutiny over empty seats and mandatory drinks breaks.

Insights

With host cities paying millions, is the World Cup's massive revenue a fair deal for anyone but FIFA?
Has the World Cup's new 48-team format expanded its global magic or simply diluted the elite competition?