The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially commenced in the United States on Friday, June 12, 2026, with a spectacular opening ceremony held at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The event preceded the tournament's third co-host nation, the USA, kicking off their campaign against Paraguay.

The ceremony aimed to capture the essence of Los Angeles, incorporating elements of street art and the city's renowned creative industries. A booming voiceover welcomed attendees, accompanied by visuals of the iconic Hollywood sign displayed on massive screens within the stadium, which was temporarily renamed the Los Angeles Stadium for the occasion.

Musical performances featured a lineup of prominent artists including Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop star Lisa. Actor Jason Sudeikis and singer Katy Perry were also scheduled to perform. The event saw a congregation of notable celebrities such as Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson, and Paris Hilton, who watched as performers interacted with a giant World Cup trophy placed on the pitch.

Looking ahead, the tournament's commencement in the US marks a significant moment for global football, with matches scheduled across multiple host cities. The opening ceremony's fanfare sets a high bar for the month-long competition, which involves 48 teams vying for the coveted trophy. The participation of co-hosts Mexico and Canada, who have already played their opening matches, highlights the tournament's expansive reach across North America.

Giant "FIFA" letters, rendered in gold, were suspended from the stadium's roof. While former US President Donald Trump did not attend, he reportedly spoke with the team by phone, expressing confidence in their chances. US fans, many in patriotic attire, voiced their support, with some paying significant amounts for tickets. One fan, Isaac Pizarro, who attended with his son Jacob, shared his belief that the US team could "go all the way."

Despite the strong US presence, a notable contingent of Paraguayan supporters also made their presence felt, with many flags visible amidst the sea of American colors. Both the US and Paraguay had key players facing injury doubts but were ultimately included in the starting lineups. Chris Richards was named at centre-back for the US, while Julio Enciso was set to feature for Paraguay.

Fellow co-hosts Mexico and Canada have already participated in their own opening ceremonies and initial matches. Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa, while Canada earned their first-ever World Cup finals point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina after coming from behind.

The tournament's arrival in Los Angeles has generated considerable excitement, though discussions around ticket prices and organizational aspects have also emerged. The opening ceremony's blend of music, celebrity, and patriotic fervor underscores the global spectacle that is the World Cup.