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World Cup kicks off in US as Katy Perry, Future headline opening ceremony
TL;DR
The World Cup has officially started in the US with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry and Future. The tournament's first match kicked off in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
Key points
- World Cup begins in the United States
- Opening ceremony featured Katy Perry and Future
- First match was Los Angeles vs. Paraguay
- Celebrities attended the event
- Ceremony showcased Los Angeles street art
Mentioned in this story
World CupKaty PerryFutureJason SudeikisTom CruiseDavid BeckhamHalle BerryRob LoweOwen WilsonParis HiltonLos Angeles
World Cup
The World Cup arrived in the United States with a Hollywood-style opening ceremony before the tournament’s third cohosts kicked off their opener in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
“Welcome to the USA,” announced a booming voiceover, as a close-up of the city’s famous Hollywood sign flashed on giant screens at the SoFi Stadium, temporarily renamed the Los Angeles Stadium, on Friday.
A marching band struck up the music before being joined by singers including Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop singer Lisa. Costumes and props were designed to evoke Los Angeles street art and the city’s creative industries.
Actor Jason Sudeikis and singer Katy Perry were due to perform shortly before kickoff on Friday.
Celebrities including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson and Paris Hilton looked on as performers danced around a giant World Cup trophy in the middle of the pitch.
Suspended from the roof of the space-age 70,000 stadium were enormous “FIFA” letters in the gold favoured by US President Donald Trump — who did not attend.
He instead spoke to the team by phone, telling them, “I think you’ve a really good chance of going all the way. I just want to wish you a lot of luck.”
US fans, many dressed as Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, or bald eagles, gamely booed the Paraguay players as they appeared for their warm-ups.
“I believe we can go all the way,” said US fan Isaac Pizarro, who paid $1,900 per ticket to attend with his 14-year-old son Jacob.
But South American support showed up in force too, with dozens of Paraguay flags visible among a sea of red, white, and blue sported by both nations.
US centre-back Chris Richards overcame injury doubt to be named in the starting XI — as did dangerous Paraguay winger Julio Enciso.
Fellow cohosts Mexico and Canada have already played their first matches, each featuring a separate opening ceremony on home soil.
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, while Canada came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw and their first-ever World Cup finals point against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Q&A
What celebrities attended the World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles?
Celebrities at the opening ceremony included Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson, and Paris Hilton.
Who performed at the World Cup opening ceremony in the US?
Performers included Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop singer Lisa.
What was the location of the World Cup opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony took place at SoFi Stadium, also known as the Los Angeles Stadium, in Los Angeles.
