2026 FIFA World Cup Opens with Celebrity Performances and Transit Upgrades
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off this week with matches across North America. Mexico defeated South Africa, and South Korea beat Czechia on Thursday. On Friday, the US faced Paraguay in Los Angeles. The opening ceremonies featured performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, Andrea Bocelli, Alanis Morissette, Future, Tyla, Lisa, Anitta, Rema, and Katy Perry. Salma Hayek Pinault presented the Parade of Nations in a custom Gucci suit. Mexican forward Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute against South Africa. LA Metro enhanced bus and rail service to SoFi Stadium from 15 locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties for the event.
Key facts
- 2026 FIFA World Cup started this week.
- Mexico beat South Africa on Thursday.
- South Korea beat Czechia on Thursday.
- US played Paraguay on Friday in Los Angeles.
- Salma Hayek Pinault presented the Parade of Nations in a custom Gucci suit.
- Alanis Morissette performed the Canadian national anthem.
- Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute.
- LA Metro offered enhanced World Cup bus and rail service to SoFi Stadium.
Entities
Artists
- Salma Hayek Pinault
- Shakira
- Burna Boy
- Andrea Bocelli
- Alanis Morissette
- Alessia Cara
- Jessie Reyez
- Michael Bublé
- Future
- Tyla
- Lisa
- Anitta
- Rema
- Katy Perry
Institutions
- FIFA
- LA Metro
- SoFi Stadium
- Gucci
- Boucheron
Locations
- Mexico
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Czechia
- United States
- Paraguay
- Los Angeles
- Orange County
- Canada
- Bosnia and Herzegovina