The World Cup begins in the US as Katy Perry, the opening ceremony of the future headline | World Cup 2026

Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry among the celebrities who attended the opening ceremony in Hollywood.

The World Cup arrived in the United States with a Hollywood-like opening ceremony before the tournament’s third group kicks off in Los Angeles against Paraguay.

“Welcome to the USA,” announced a loud voice, as the city’s iconic Hollywood sign appeared on the big screens at SoFi Stadium, which was temporarily renamed Los Angeles Stadium, on Friday.

A marching band started the song before being joined by singers including Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop singer Lisa. Costumes and props were created to evoke Los Angeles’ street art and the city’s creative industries.

Actor Jason Sudeikis and singer Katy Perry were scheduled to perform shortly before the show began on Friday.

Celebrities including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson and Paris Hilton watched the players dance around the giant World Cup in the center of the stadium.

Suspended from the roof of the 70,000-year-old stadium were giant “FIFA” letters in gold favored by US President Donald Trump – who did not attend.

Instead he spoke to the team on the phone, telling them, “I think you have a chance to go all the way. I just want to wish you the best of luck.”

US fans, many dressed as Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, or bald eagles, mocked the Paraguayan players as they were exposed for their heat.

“I believe we can go on,” said American fan Isaac Pizarro, who paid $1,900 for a ticket to attend with his 14-year-old son Jacob.

But the South American support was also strong, with many Paraguayan flags appearing amid a sea of ​​red, white, and blue sported by both countries.

US defender Chris Richards overcame doubts to be named in the starting XI – as did dangerous Paraguay forward Julio Enciso.

Our friends Mexico and Canada have already played their first games, each with a home opener.

Mexico beat South Africa 2-0when Canada came from behind to defend a 1-1 draw and their first World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.