**World Cup Kicks Off in the US with Star-Studded Opening Ceremony**
*Los Angeles, CA – June 13, 2026* – The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced in the United States on June 12, with a dazzling opening ceremony at the SoFi Stadium, also known as Los Angeles Stadium. The event set the stage for the tournament's inaugural match between the United States and Paraguay.
The ceremony featured an array of performances, showcasing the vibrant culture of Los Angeles. A booming voiceover welcomed attendees with the phrase, “Welcome to the USA,” as visuals of the iconic Hollywood sign illuminated the stadium’s giant screens. The ceremony included a marching band and performances by popular artists such as Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop sensation Lisa. The costumes and props were inspired by the city’s renowned street art and creative industries, adding a local flair to the global event.
Among the notable celebrities in attendance were Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson, and Paris Hilton, who watched as performers danced around a giant World Cup trophy placed prominently on the field. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as fans, many donning costumes representing American symbols like Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty, cheered for the home team while booing the Paraguayan players during their warm-ups.
In a unique touch, the opening ceremony featured enormous "FIFA" letters suspended from the stadium's roof, adorned in gold, reminiscent of the color favored by former President Donald Trump, who did not attend the event. However, he reached out to the US team via phone, expressing his confidence in their chances of success in the tournament.
US fan Isaac Pizarro, who paid $1,900 for tickets to attend the match with his 14-year-old son Jacob, shared his optimism, stating, “I believe we can go all the way.” The stadium was a sea of red, white, and blue, with strong support for both teams, as Paraguayan fans also made their presence known with flags and cheers.
On the field, US centre-back Chris Richards, who had been dealing with an injury concern, was included in the starting lineup alongside Paraguay's talented winger Julio Enciso. The match marked a significant moment for the United States as they hosted the World Cup for the first time since 1994.
This year’s tournament is co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, both of which have already played their opening matches. Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa, while Canada achieved a historic 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, marking their first-ever point in World Cup finals history.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the United States, Canada, and Mexico as they aim to showcase their hospitality and passion for football on the world stage. The excitement generated by the opening ceremony and the match itself sets a promising tone for the upcoming weeks of competition.