The countdown for the start of the FIFA World Cup is on, but a fresh announcement has dulled some fans' excitement.
It has been announced that Katy Perry will headline one of the three opening ceremonies, and some soccer fans are not happy about the news.
The "Fireworks" singer will open the tournament in Los Angeles on Friday, June 12, at the SoFi Stadium, 90 minutes before the U.S. face Paraguay in the opening match in the country at 4:30 p.m.
Voicing their disappointment over Katy's headlining slot, one person wrote on X: "What does she have to offer to the world at the World Cup opening???" A second said: "I honestly think they could've picked someone better."
A third added: "What songs will she be performing? This World Cup is proving to be a disaster!" A fourth penned: "Yall are trying so hard to make her relevant again I'm crying."
There were plenty of others, though, who were happy with FIFA's announcement, with one commenting: "She will hype up the crown before the match, which is good. We missed the big pop stars for world cups."
© Getty ImagesAnother said: "The World Cup used to be about the sport, the fans, and national pride. Now every global event turns into a giant pop spectacle. That said...Katy knows how to put on a show."
While Katy is headlining, a variety of artists will also perform at LA's opening ceremony, including Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla, with additional artists still to be announced.
"This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become," said Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA.
© Getty Images"The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation's rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country."
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first time in tournament history that there will be three opening ceremonies across the host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It's also the first time it will feature 48 teams and 104 matches.
© Getty ImagesThe tournament officially begins on June 11 with the opening game between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.
Entertainment before the opener will include Tyla, along with singers Alejandro Fernández, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Belinda and J Balvin and the groups Los Ángeles Azules and Maná.
Canada's opener on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto's BMO Field will have entertainment by singers Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, William Prince, Elyanna and Vegedream, along with DJ Sanjoy.
© Getty ImagesThe FIFA World Cup 2026 concludes with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Before the final, the stadium will host five group stage games, featuring Brazil, Morocco, France, Senegal, Norway, Ecuador, Germany, England, and Panama, before staging knockout ties in Round 32 and Round 16, respectively.
