World Cup 2026 opener kicks off with A-listers Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Katy Perry

Team USA opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-1 demolition of Paraguay on Friday, the host nation's highest-scoring result in tournament history and the celebrities packed into SoFi Stadium made sure the moment got the Hollywood treatment.

The crowd was full of the famous stars from the world of film to entertainment. Including the actors Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Star Wars film director George Lucas, actresses Halle Berry, Owen Wilson, and Rob Lowe. Among the other celebrities at the event were model Paris Hilton and Bill Gates of Microsoft fame.

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau spark buzz

Singer Katy Perry, who performed during the pre-match ceremony, later joined the crowd alongside former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.

The two have reportedly made their relationship public on social media in recent weeks, a development that's been generating plenty of online chatter. Basketball icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was also seen cheering on the home side.

Knighted last year by King Charles, Sir David Beckham, who just received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame the newest addition to a very crowded trophy collection took his place next to Cruise not long after receiving this honor.

Prior to kick-off, the stadium's huge screen was lit up by the Hollywood sign as a marching band entertained guests along with performances by Future, Tyla, Anitta, and Lisa of Blackpink.

The celebration featured much L.A. street art inspiration, while the letters “FIFA” in large gold letters hung from the stadium’s ceiling, even as President Donald Trump opted not to attend, calling instead to wish the players good luck prior to kick-off.