The FIFA World Cup 2026 lit up North America on June 12 with two electrifying opening ceremonies and matches that set the tone for what promises to be a tournament for the ages.
In Toronto, the second opening of the day unfolded at a packed 43,000-seat Toronto Stadium as Canada stepped onto the World Cup stage on home soil for the first time in the tournament’s history. Alanis Morissette sang the Canadian national anthem to seas of red jerseys filling the stands, while Indigenous groups led the ceremony and Canadian artists Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, and Vegedream performed. Michael Bublé also took the pitch to perform before kick-off.
On the field, the drama was real. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Jovo Lukic nodded in a corner at the 21-minute mark to open the scoring, leaving the home
crowd stunned. But Canada refused to surrender. Substitute Cyle Larin tipped the ball into the corner of the net at the 79th minute to level the match, sending the stadium into delirium. The game ended 1-1 — and though the first Canadian World Cup victory still awaits, Canada made history by recording its first-ever point in World Cup play.
Hours later, the spotlight shifted to Los Angeles for the third opening ceremony of the tournament. Katy Perry joined 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka on stage at SoFi Stadium, performing “Wonder” before a massive crowd, while country duo Dan + Shay delivered an emotional rendition of the American national anthem. Other performers included Lisa (BLACKPINK), Future, Anitta, Rema, and Tyla.
Then the USA answered with their boots. A dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay — the national team’s joint-biggest win in World Cup history — sent an emphatic message to the world. Folarin Balogun netted two goals, and Giovanni Reyna sealed the rout with a stunning trivela late in the match.
Did you know?
First edition — 23rd edition
The last time USA and Paraguay faced each other at the FIFA World Cup was during the first-ever tournament in 1930.
Now, 22 editions later, they’re playing each other once again.