World Cup 2026 USA opening ceremony LIVE: Katy Perry performs as Donald Trump snubs first game for co-hosts

Now for the proper action!

The flags are laid and the teams are making their way out to the centre circle for their national anthems.

One song and that’s your lot. Was expecting something a bit over-the-top and self-indulgent from the Americans but, if anything, that was very lowkey.

A quick Google search reveals that the boy was Tias Luka, a young Norwegian singer who features on the song “Wonder”. Should’ve known!

It’s not just international pop star Katy Perry singing the US into their World Cup opener – she’s joined by a little boy!

Why he’s there I’m not sure, but he can sing so fair play.

Your headline act is here!

Katy Perry is at the centre circle with mic in hand and is performing her song “Wonder”.

About 15 minutes until kick-off here and we are embarking on a parade of nations, ushered in by Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis, with each of the 48 teams’ flag being carried out to the centre circle.

Presumably Katy Perry is imminent…

US captain Tim Ream says he “expects to see a full stadium” when the team steps out onto the pitch ahead for kick-off.

“We expect to see a full stadium, an incredible crowd, an incredible atmosphere and an opening ceremony for us that will be the culmination of a lot of hard work and decisions that we have made to get to this point,” he said.

Currently still a lot empty seats with about 20 minutes until we get underway.

“I trust in my players, I trust in the process,” said US manager Mauricio Pochettino. “We are very confident. We know the game is about competing and the time is now. We need to deliver the show.

”The first game is difficult for everyone. Paraguay is a very good team with very good players and very good coach. They are very competitive.

“We want to play well, win games and compete. They are going to show aggression.”

Huge cheer as Christian Pulisic’s name is read out over the SoFi PA during the US line-up announcement.

He’s the American hero of this World Cup.

Let’s take a look at Paraguay’s team, shall we.

They’ve got a couple of current Premier League names, one of which was Sunderland centre-back Omar Alderete who starred for the Black Cats in their first season back in the top-flight.

Diego Gomez has also become a regular at Brighton, starting alongside former Seagulls man Julio Enciso.

But the most recognisable name in their team will be former Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron, who now finds himself back playing in the United States with Atlanta United.

We’ll always remember that purple patch in 2023…

So, this now feels much less like a World Cup opening ceremony and more like a normal pre-match build.

The likes of Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson are pinging balls to each other, fans are slowly filtering into the ground, and “Freed From Desire” is blaring over the speakers. Feels like I’m at Craven Cottage in 2024.