June 13, 2026 174 views

Future and Tyla Declare ‘Game Time’ at Stunning World Cup Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles

By Lisa Andersen
Future and Tyla kicked off the World Cup ceremony in the United States Friday with a high voltage performance at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. A massive FIFA World Cup trophy was erected on the field for the celebration before Future appeared at the center as fireworks and red smoke set off behind

Future and Tyla kicked off the World Cup ceremony in the United States Friday with a high voltage performance at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. 

A massive FIFA World Cup trophy was erected on the field for the celebration before Future appeared at the center as fireworks and red smoke set off behind him. The Atlanta rapper, donning a glittering red Varsity jacket, launched into “Game Time,” the seventh single from the official 2026 FIFA World Cup album, as dancers moved in the foreground holding up gold soccer balls. He was soon joined by South African singer Tyla for her slick verse.

Tyla and Future performing together at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, during the U.S. opening celebration for the FIFA World Cup 2026 #GameTime🔥🔥🔥⚽️ pic.twitter.com/E85x514FCN

They were followed by Lisa of Blackpink, Brazilian icon Anitta, and Nigerian superstar Rema. The trio appeared in coordinating white outfits for the occasion and performed “Goals,” another electric World Cup track for fans.

🚨 COMPLETO: Assista à performance de Anitta, Lisa e Rema cantando “Goals” na cerimônia de abertura da Copa do Mundo. pic.twitter.com/t3uVOXEVHe

Friday night’s opening ceremony was one of three blowouts FIFA organized for the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup, one in each of the three main host countries (the others being Mexico and Canada). At Thursday’s official opening game in Mexico City, for Mexico versus South Africa, the show featured Shakira and Burna Boy performing their official tournament song, “Dai Dai.” 

The performance also included Colombian singer J Balvin, as well as Mexican artists Maná, Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs and Belinda, and Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean. Tyla even pulled double duty, appearing at the Mexico City game for her home country’s tournament opener. 

And earlier today, at Canada’s opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, the opening ceremony featured performances from Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Eliana, Jessie Reyes, Noah Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince.