World Cup kicks off in US as Katy Perry, Future headline opening ceremony

The FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 1, 2026, with an opening ceremony in the United States featuring performances by Katy Perry and Future. The event, held at a Hollywood-style venue, drew a crowd of notable celebrities, including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, and Halle Berry. This marks the first time the World Cup has been jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches scheduled across 16 cities. The tournament will feature 48 teams competing for the first time in its history, an expansion from the previous 32-team format. The opening match featured the host nation, the United States, against an opponent yet to be determined. The ceremony aimed to blend global music and sports culture, setting a festive tone for the month-long competition. The FIFA World Cup is expected to generate significant economic impact for the host countries, with projections estimating billions of dollars in revenue from tourism and related industries. Security measures for the event have been described as extensive, involving cooperation between multiple national and international agencies.