A party 32 years in the making erupted in Los Angeles Friday night as the world watched — shining a light on the city’s biggest athletic stage and it’s brightest stars.

Ahead of the opening whistle between the United States and Paraguay, SoFi Stadium — dubbed Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament — was the center of the sports universe. Nearly 70,000 fans poured through the gates, draped in American flags, scarves, and Team USA jerseys.

Security was tight outside the stadium, with heavily armed police, bomb squad officers and a series of metal detectors and ticket verification stops.

Once inside, fans created a sea of red, white and blue beneath the stadium lights as they prepared for the match, which kicked off with performances from music heavyweights including the ultimate California Girl, Katy Perry.

After decades of anticipation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup had finally arrived on American soil. 

Nearly two hours before kickoff, the field became a stage. A giant blue silhouette of the United States stretched across the pitch like a living map, covering almost every blade of grass. From all four corners of the stadium, drummers and soccer players emerged in synchronized fashion, their rhythms echoing off the transparent roof and throughout the stands. 

Performers flooded the center circle as a massive replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy emerged. Fans who arrived early stood, pointed and held up their phones to capture the spectacle. For many from around the globe, it was the first real sign that the World Cup had arrived — no longer a distant date on the calendar, but a living, breathing event unfolding before their eyes.

The electricity surged to another level when rapper Future and singer Tyla appeared on stage to perform “Game Time.” Dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue, the duo brought a concert atmosphere to the stadium. Tyla commanded attention from the moment she appeared, while Future’s bass-heavy verses rattled through the building like a pregame warning shot.

LISA of the k-pop powerhouse group Blackpink, Brazillian singer Anitta and Nigerian singer-songwriter and rapper Rema united for a performance of “Goals,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The collaboration felt fitting for a tournament spread across three countries — The US, Canada and Mexico — with 48 nations competing. Their performance blended cultures, languages and musical styles in the same way the World Cup blends continents.

Yet the most powerful moment of the evening came closer to kickoff.

Actor Jason Sudeikis, beloved worldwide for his role as Ted Lasso, walked onto the stage and welcomed the world to the tournament. One by one, flagbearers representing all 48 participating nations emerged onto a golden carpet before forming a circle at midfield. It was a powerful image of unity and diversity. 

Then came Perry. 

Perry, wearing a sparkling silver dress that reflected light like a disco ball, performed “Wonder” alongside 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka. As their voices filled the stadium, pyrotechnics erupted from the gigantic “FIFA” logo overhead and on the sidelines. 

Then, giant American and Paraguayan flags unfurled across the field. Moments later, the United States and Paraguay walked onto the pitch hand-in-hand with children, continuing one of soccer’s most cherished traditions.The crowd roared through both national anthems. The players from both teams sang along.

As the final performers exited and the ceremony pieces were removed, the atmosphere shifted from celebration to competition.

The World Cup had officially begun.

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