The United States is preparing for a spectacular kick-off to its co-hosting duties for the World Cup 2026, with pop sensation Katy Perry and rapper Future set to headline the opening ceremony. The event will precede the USA's inaugural match against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. This grand spectacle marks the third and final opening ceremony for the tournament's co-hosts, following performances in Mexico City and Canada.
Former US President Donald Trump will be conspicuously absent from the high-profile event. His non-attendance comes ahead of his 80th birthday celebrations scheduled for Washington later this weekend. The tournament has already faced some scrutiny, with discussions around empty seats at earlier matches and the introduction of mandatory drinks breaks during play.
The USA national team, under the management of former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, enters the tournament with high expectations. They are anticipated to advance from a group that includes Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey, with ambitions of progressing further into the competition. Pochettino's experience in the Premier League will be familiar to many UK football enthusiasts, adding a British connection to the team's prospects.
For football fans in the United Kingdom, the opening ceremony and the USA's match against Paraguay will be accessible on free-to-air television. Viewers can tune into BBC One or stream the event live via BBC iPlayer, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the tournament's early stages. This accessibility allows UK audiences to follow the unfolding drama and entertainment from across the Atlantic.
The World Cup 2026 is being jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, marking a significant expansion of the tournament's geographical footprint. Such large-scale international sporting events often generate considerable interest, not only in the host nations but globally, including in the UK, where football holds a prominent cultural position. The blend of sport and entertainment at the opening ceremony aims to set a celebratory tone for the weeks of competition ahead.