Cheers for Iran and almost empty stands » How the opening ceremony of the WC 2026 in Los Angeles looked

• Sergiu Alexandru and Ionuț Iordache (photo) are at the World Championship and will sign special correspondence for Gazeta Sporturilor during the final tournament in Mexico, Canada and the USA

As happened in Ciudad de Mexico and Toronto, an opening ceremony was also held in Los Angeles, on the occasion of the first match of WC 2026 played here, USA – Paraguay. And the organizers prepared a themed show.

PHOTO. How the opening ceremony of the WC 2026 in Los Angeles looked

An hour and 30 minutes before kick-off, organizers recreated a giant map of the United States on the pitch, with a giant replica of the World Cup and the stage at the center. Fans in the stands were able to enjoy two songs, performed by LISA, Future, Anitta, Rema and Tyla. At the same time, several cut-out panels representing iconic places in the USA appeared on the lawn.

The Americans took their seats after the ceremony

The game was sold-out, with over 70,000 fans present at the most expensive stadium at the World Cup. Americans were extremely interested in seeing Pochettino's national team in action, even though soccer is not the most popular sport in the United States.

Although, at the start of the match, the stands were full, at the opening ceremony many of the seats remained empty. The reason? American fans queued at food and drink kiosks, preferring to eat and enjoy a beer outside the stands rather than watch the opening ceremony.

Even during the game, there was constant commotion in the aisles behind the stands, with many fans leaving their seats to get food or drinks.

Tom Cruise, David Beckham or Paris Hilton among the stars

Then followed a 100% American show. Images from the stands, with fans having fun before the match, as well as images of some of the stars present at the game, were shown on the giant screen. Among them were Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Paris Hilton, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, George Lucas, Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Candance Parker, Jared Goff, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Katy Perry and her boyfriend, Justin Trudeau, the former Prime Minister of Canada,

Iran, booed at the parade of nations

Then followed the parade of nations. One by one, the volunteers entered the turf, in the circle at the center of the field, with the flag of each participating nation. And the American fans were hostile towards Iran. The moment the name of the country was spoken over the amplifier station, they booed profusely.

The celebrity guest list continued with actor Jason Sudeikis, before Katy Perry and Tius Luka performed 'Wonder' together.

Then came the moment of singing the two hymns. Purahei Soul sang Paraguay's anthem, while Dan + Shay, along with the entire stadium, sang the anthem of the tournament hosts.