Katy Perry, the global pop sensation, graced the stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles, delivering an unforgettable performance of her song "Wonder." She was joined by an extraordinary talent, 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka, creating a moment that resonated deeply with the international audience. This poignant duet underscored the unifying power of music and sport, setting an emotional tone for the highly anticipated tournament.
The duo's performance was a highlight of the opening festivities, capturing the attention of millions worldwide. Against a backdrop of international flags, symbolizing the global nature of the World Cup, Perry and Luka's voices blended seamlessly, filling SoFi Stadium with their harmonious rendition. The event marked a significant cultural moment, bridging diverse audiences through a shared experience of melody and celebration.
A Heartfelt Debut at the FIFA World Cup
Minutes before the kickoff of the United States versus Paraguay match at the 2026 World Cup, Katy Perry, adorned in a shimmering silver outfit, took to the field with young Norwegian vocalist Tius Luka. Together, they presented a moving performance of "Wonder," a track from Perry's latest album, 143. The 10-year-old Tius delivered the opening and closing verses, his youthful voice adding a profound sincerity to the song. As their duet concluded, Perry embraced Tius, a gesture met with thunderous applause from the captivated crowd at Los Angeles' SoFi stadium.
The performance was not only a musical highlight but also a testament to a unique artistic collaboration. Perry revealed in a social media post that Tius had recorded his vocal parts for "Wonder" back in 2021 when he was just five years old. She explained that hearing his early recording in 2023 inspired her to compose the remaining lyrics for the song, ultimately including it on her sixth album. Tius, now a decade old, traveled from Norway to join Perry on this monumental stage, bringing their long-awaited collaboration to life in front of a global audience and adding a touching personal narrative to the World Cup festivities.
Global Musical Extravaganza Kickstarts the Tournament
The Los Angeles opening ceremony was just one part of a spectacular global celebration marking the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Earlier in the day, the stage was electrified by performances from various international artists. Future and Tyla ignited the event with their high-energy rendition of "Game Time," the seventh single from the official 2026 FIFA World Cup album. Following their dynamic act, Lisa from Blackpink, Brazilian superstar Anitta, and Nigerian sensation Rema came together to perform "Goals," another anthemic track created for the tournament, captivating fans with their vibrant musical synergy.
Simultaneously, Canada hosted its own grand opening ceremony in Toronto, preceding the match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This event featured an impressive lineup of Canadian talent, including Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Eliana, Jessie Reyes, Noah Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince, showcasing a diverse array of musical styles. These opening ceremonies in Los Angeles and Toronto were two of three significant launch events orchestrated by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. The festivities began a day earlier in Mexico City, where Shakira and Burna Boy performed their official tournament anthem, "Dai Dai," for the Mexico versus South Africa game, setting a high bar for the subsequent celebrations.