2026 World Cup Kicks Off in USA with Spectacle at SoFi Stadium

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced in North America with its United States opening ceremony at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The event, a seven-minute audiovisual spectacle, served as a prelude to the highly anticipated debut match between Paraguay and the host nation, USA.

The US ceremony completed a series of inaugurations across the three co-host countries, following events in Mexico and Canada. This particular spectacle emphasized music and technology, featuring performances by global artists. The opening statement projected to the crowd declared, "We are a nation built around freedom. Today we celebrate in one language and cheer for our idols in one language. A language of unity."

Performances included artists like Tyla and Future singing "Game Time," with a large-scale replica of the World Cup trophy as the centerpiece. The closing musical act featured international stars Lisa, Anitta, and Rema performing the official FIFA song "Goals." The ceremony aimed to blend entertainment with a message of unity.

Prior to the US event, Canada's ceremony in Toronto at BMO Field celebrated multiculturalism with performances by Canadian artists such as Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, and Michael Bublé. Mexico's opening at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City featured a more traditional feel, with the parade of 48 national flags and a performance of the official theme song "DNA" by tenor Andrea Bocelli.

“

We are a nation built around freedom. Today we celebrate in one language and cheer for our idols in one language. A language of unity.