FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off With Spectacular Star-Studded Ceremony in Los Angeles
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially launching with a massive Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles, featuring global superstars like Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla. This landmark event is set for 4:30 p.m. PT on June 12, 90 minutes before the United States faces Paraguay in the tournament’s opening match on American soil.
For the first time in FIFA history, three opening ceremonies are happening across North America in Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles, delivering a continent-wide celebration of football, music, and culture. The Los Angeles event promises a breathtaking kickoff at the Los Angeles Stadium, with gates opening early — four hours before kickoff — to offer fans immersive experiences, live programming, and interactive activations designed to electrify the atmosphere.
Record-Breaking Ceremony Reflects Cultural Power and Unity
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the ceremony’s unprecedented scale, saying it reflects “the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become.” He pointed to the diverse lineup, emphasizing how it “reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas.” Infantino praised the event as a celebration of the nation’s powerful influence on music, entertainment, and pop culture, while showcasing how music unites fans across the country.
“The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture,” – Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
The Los Angeles ceremony, produced with Balich Wonder Studio, will feature large-scale visuals themed around the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, symbolizing both national pride and global unity, setting the tone for one of the largest sports contests in the world.
Unprecedented Multi-Country Launch Signals New Era for FIFA
This year’s World Cup is historic for staging multiple opening ceremonies across three host nations, a first for the tournament. Alongside Los Angeles, festivities in Mexico City will kick off on June 11 before the Mexico vs. South Africa match. Meanwhile, Toronto will host its ceremony on June 12, just before Canada faces Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The tournament features 104 matches across 16 U.S. host cities, alongside Canadian and Mexican venues, running from June 11 to July 19. The grand finale is slated for the New York New Jersey Stadium, creating a historic, multi-city fan experience.
How US Fans Can Tune In and Attend
For fans across Nevada and nationwide, NBC’s sister network, Telemundo, will be the exclusive Spanish-language broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, airing every game live. Tickets and hospitality packages for events, including the opening ceremony and matches, remain available through FIFA, with releases continuing in the run-up to the tournament.
The Los Angeles ceremony stands as a cultural and sporting spectacle fans won’t want to miss — combining world-class music performances with the thrill of international soccer, uniting millions across time zones in a “shared heartbeat” of celebration.
As the countdown continues, eyes will remain on Los Angeles this June 12 at 4:30 p.m. PT for the soaring kickoff of what promises to be the most ambitious and star-powered FIFA World Cup opening yet.
