The third and final World Cup opening ceremony is set to kick off just after midnight, with several big names set to perform before USA take on Paraguay in their first game
After seeing the likes of Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé help kick off Canada’s World Cup opening ceremony, both football and music fans alike will no doubt be keen to see what the third and final fellow hosts the United States have in store for their own pre-match spectacular.
As one of the world’s biggest entertainment powerhouses, the USA has no shortage of musical talent to call upon, and FIFA have certainly not held back when it comes to assembling a star-studded line-up for the occasion.
But which superstars will be performing ahead of the hosts’ opening match against Paraguay, and where and when can British fans tune in for all the action?
Who will be performing?
Fans inside Los Angeles Stadium and those watching around the world are set to be treated to a huge musical spectacle featuring some of the biggest names in global music.
Leading the bill is pop superstar Katy Perry, who will be joined by American rap icon Future as FIFA looks to showcase the diversity and cultural influence of the United States.
They will be joined by Brazilian singer Anitta, BLACKPINK star LISA, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema and South African chart-topper Tyla.
According to controversial FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the ceremony is set to reflect both the scale of the tournament and the cultural diversity of the United States.
He said: “The line up 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.”
Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the show is expected to feature large-scale visuals, immersive storytelling and a celebration of American culture, all connected through the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy.
What time will the ceremony kick off?
Proceedings at Los Angeles Stadium will begin 90 minutes before kick-off, meaning British viewers can tune in from 12.30am BST in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The USA’s Group D opener against Paraguay gets underway at 2am BST.
Fans attending the match have been encouraged to arrive early, with stadium gates opening four hours before kick-off and a range of entertainment, activations and pre-match experiences planned throughout the venue.
Where can I watch?
USA vs Paraguay is being shown live on BBC One, with kick-off scheduled for 2am BST on Saturday 13 June.
For fans who want to catch the opening ceremony in full, coverage will be available from 12.30am BST on BBC iPlayer, as well as through the BBC Sport website and app.
The ceremony will be the final part of FIFA’s unprecedented three-country opening celebrations, following events in Mexico City and Toronto, as Canada, Mexico and the United States come together to launch the biggest World Cup in history.
Will Donald Trump be there?
Despite the United States hosting the match, President Donald Trump is not expected to attend the opening game against Paraguay.
The news was confirmed by Rudy Giuliani, who said the president’s schedule meant he would miss the clash in Los Angeles.
However, Giuliani suggested Trump could still play a visible role later in the tournament, telling TalkSport: “Expect the unexpected. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see him engage more and more with the World Cup.”
Trump has developed a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and has attended a number of major sporting events since returning to the White House.
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