World Cup 2026 opening ceremony live updates, reviews on Katy Perry and other performances in USA

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• World Cup opening ceremony highlights
• World Cup opening ceremony performers
• World Cup opening ceremony start time
• How to watch World Cup opening ceremony

For the first time in 32 years, the World Cup has returned to the United States' shores. It's only right, then, that the on-field action is accompanied by a signature soundtrack.

On Friday, the games will begin, with the United States taking on Paraguay to kick off Group D's slate of games. Before then, another spectacle will take over SoFi Stadium — one that figures to have more headliners than any other.

FIFA enlisted a handful of stars to headline its opening ceremonies. Katy Perry is the biggest of the bunch, dazzling audiences for the better part of 20 years as one of the world's biggest pop acts. She'll be joined by Future, Tyla and Anitta, all global stars who should add to the tournament's legitimacy.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Friday's opening ceremony. Follow below for highlights, reviews and more from one of the most-watched events in the soccer calendar.

STREAM: Watch the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony live on fubo (U.S. only free trial) 

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony live updates, reviews on Katy Perry and others

(All times Eastern)

Updates will start closer to the opening ceremony's 7:30 p.m. ET start time.

LIVE: Follow USMNT vs. Paraguay updates from 2026 World Cup

Who is in World Cup opening ceremony?

• Katy Perry
• Future
• Lisa
• Tyla
• Anitta
• Rema
• DJ Sanjoy
• Dan + Shay (U.S. anthem)
• Purahei Soul (Paraguay anthem)
• Jason Sudeikis (FIFA ambassador)

The star-studded list of performers in Inglewood's opening ceremony is headlined by Katy Perry and Future.

FIFA also announced Golden Globe-winning actor, comedian, screenwriter and comedian Jason Sudeikis as the ceremony's host, with Dan + Shay and Purahei Soul performing the national anthems before the United States vs. Paraguay match gets underway.

World Cup opening ceremony start time

• Date: Friday, June 12
• Time: 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local time)

The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony kicks off on Friday, June 12 at 6 p.m. local time (9 p.m. ET) in Mexico City, about 90 minutes before the start of Mexico's clash with South Africa. The festival will take place at Estadio Azteca, Mexico's most famous sporting colosseum.

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How to watch World Cup opening ceremony

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo

The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup will air live on Fox, the long-standing home of FIFA's signature competition. Viewers in the U.S. can stream the event live with fubo, which offers a free trial for new users

Fox has recruited an impressive cast of characters to lead its World Cup coverage, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry and Peter Schmeichel. Rob Stone, Rebecca Lowe, Jules Breach and Pien Meulensteen will serve as the presenters during the spectacle, which will span from June 11 to July 19.

How long is the World Cup opening ceremony?

The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony is expected to last 90 minutes.

The hour-and-a-half duration is standard procedure, taking place right before the opening game of the tournament. The United States will take on Paraguay at SoFi Stadium at 9 p.m. ET, so the field will have to be cleared and ready for use shortly after the likes of Katy Perry and Future take the stage.