zThe 2026 FIFA World Cup officially arrived in the United States on Friday night with a spectacle worthy of Hollywood, as music, celebrity appearances, and patriotic fanfare set the stage for the host nation’s opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Thousands of fans packed the Los Angeles Stadium, formerly known as SoFi Stadium, as the tournament’s final cohost nation began its World Cup journey in front of a global audience.
Hollywood Flair Marks America’s World Cup Debut
The evening began with a cinematic introduction celebrating the host city.
“Welcome to the USA,” announced a booming voiceover as giant screens displayed a close-up of Los Angeles‘ iconic Hollywood sign, instantly setting the tone for an entertainment-driven celebration.
A marching band led the festivities before a lineup of international music stars took over the stage. Performers included Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop sensation Lisa, whose appearances energized the crowd before kickoff.
The ceremony embraced the culture and creativity of Los Angeles, with costumes and visual elements inspired by the city’s street art scene and entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, actor Jason Sudeikis and pop superstar Katy Perry were scheduled to appear shortly before the opening whistle.
Celebrity Guests Fill The Stands
The star power extended beyond the performers.
Several high-profile celebrities were spotted inside the stadium, including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson, and Paris Hilton.
As spectators watched from the stands, dancers surrounded a giant World Cup trophy positioned at the center of the pitch, creating one of the night’s most memorable visuals.
Adding to the spectacle, enormous gold-colored “FIFA” letters hung from the roof of the 70,000-seat venue.
Trump Sends Message To US Squad
Although Donald Trump did not attend the ceremony in person, he reached out to the United States team before the match.
Speaking by phone, Trump told the squad: “I think you’ve a really good chance of going all the way. I just want to wish you a lot of luck.”
The message added another layer of anticipation as the host nation prepared to begin its campaign.
Fans Bring Energy Before Kickoff
American supporters embraced the occasion with elaborate costumes and national pride on full display.
Many arrived dressed as Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, and bald eagles, creating a colorful atmosphere throughout the stadium.
As Paraguay’s players emerged for warmups, loud boos echoed around the venue from sections of the home crowd.
Optimism among US supporters was impossible to miss.
“I believe we can go all the way,” said US fan Isaac Pizarro, who paid $1,900 per ticket to attend with his 14-year-old son Jacob.
However, Paraguay’s supporters also made their presence felt. Dozens of Paraguayan flags waved throughout the stadium, standing out among the sea of red, white, and blue worn by fans from both countries.
Teams Receive Key Boosts Before Match
On the field, the United States received encouraging news before kickoff.
Defender Chris Richards overcame injury concerns to earn a place in the starting lineup. Paraguay also welcomed the inclusion of attacking threat Julio Enciso, who was named among the starters despite fitness questions.
Their availability provided a boost for both sides entering one of the most anticipated matches of the opening round.
Mexico And Canada Already Underway
The United States became the last of the three host nations to begin its World Cup campaign.
Earlier in the tournament, cohost Mexico opened with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, while Canada earned a historic 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure its first-ever point in a World Cup finals match.
With all three hosts now in action, the tournament has officially shifted into full gear.
