Los Angeles conjures up irresistible spectacle as USA sparkle in opening act
The 2026 World Cup kicked off in Los Angeles with a victory for the US team and a high-profile opening ceremony. The event featured performances by global pop stars, emphasizing FIFA's focus on spectacle and entertainment.
Why it matters
The opening highlights the commercialization and cultural integration of the World Cup as it expands its reach in the American market.
Giovanni Reyna celebrates his brilliant late goal to seal an emphatic USA victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Photograph: Jared C Tilton/FIFA/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Giovanni Reyna celebrates his brilliant late goal to seal an emphatic USA victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Photograph: Jared C Tilton/FIFA/Getty Images World Cup 2026 Los Angeles conjures up irresistible spectacle as USA sparkle in opening act Barney Ronay at Los Angeles Stadium Every World Cup needs its hosts to start well, more so this one, and Mauricio Pochettino’s team delivered on a fun day on the Pacific coast
The article provides a descriptive account of the event, focusing on the cultural and entertainment aspects of the opening ceremony.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in