Why is Katy Perry performing during the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?

Why is Katy Perry performing during the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For the first time in 32 years, the United States will host the 2026 World Cup, sharing the title with Mexico and Canada this summer. While Diana Ross took the stage just over three decades ago at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Katy Perry will headline the United States' opening ceremony.

The pop star has had a plethora of hits throughout the years, and many viewers will be ready to blurt out the words they know all too well of "Firework," "Dark Horse," or any one of her other hits. Perry will join a select few who can add performing at the World Cup to their illustrious resume.

Perry will share headlining duties with rapper Future, who will also be performing at his first-ever World Cup.

Here's why the 13-time GRAMMY nominee will be performing at the U.S. World Cup opening ceremony.

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Why is Katy Perry performing during 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?

In May, the world learned that the pop icon would be headlining the World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles. On May 8, Perry shared the once-in-a-lifetime news on her social media page, where she described herself as "kicking my feet."

Since 1978, the World Cup has kicked off with performances from culturally significant artists who have worldwide recognition. When Argentina hosted that year, the country began its tournament with "cultural performances and traditional ceremony elements," according to Bolavip.

The first major artist headliner came at the 1998 World Cup in France. That year, Ricky Martin made history as the first global superstar to headline the biggest sporting event in the world.

Since the United States, Mexico, and Canada are jointly hosting the World Cup this summer, there will be three separate opening ceremonies. Shakira and Burna Boy will begin the festivities in Mexico City, as their first match precedes Canada's and Team USA's.

The following day, Alessia Cara and Michael Buble headline the list to kick things off before Les Rouges begin their 2026 World Cup campaign. Later that night, Perry and Future headline a star-studded list of talents who will perform in front of the American crowd.

MORE: What are the full details for each opening ceremony at the World Cup?

What time is U.S. 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?

The opening US World Cup ceremony gets underway on Friday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET and 4:30 p.m. local time at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Here's how that time translates across the United States time zones:

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