The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began on June 12 with a spectacular opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The event marked a historic moment as BLACKPINK's LISA, Brazilian superstar Anitta, and Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema took the stage together for the first time to perform their collaborative single "Goals." In doing so, LISA became the first Thai artist and the first female K-pop act ever to headline a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony — a milestone that resonated across Asia and the global music industry.

FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony: What Happened At SoFi Stadium

The Los Angeles ceremony was one of three separate opening celebrations FIFA staged across the tournament's host nations — Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles. This was the first time in World Cup history that FIFA organized individual opening ceremonies for each co-host country, reflecting the unprecedented scope of the 2026 tournament spread across North America.

The evening began with a high-energy performance by US rapper Future and South African singer Tyla, who delivered "Game Time" — the seventh single from the official 2026 FIFA World Cup album. Their set featured a blend of hip-hop and amapiano influences, setting the tone for a night that celebrated global music diversity.

Then came the moment millions had been waiting for. LISA, Anitta, and Rema appeared in coordinating white outfits — a deliberate visual symmetry that underscored their collaborative spirit. The trio performed "Goals" live for the first time, with pyrotechnics and a massive LED display flashing the song's title in multiple languages. The performance was choreographed to highlight each artist's strengths: LISA's sharp dance moves, Anitta's samba-infused charisma, and Rema's effortless Afrobeats flow.

The ceremony also featured appearances by Katy Perry, country duo Dan + Shay, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and rising star EJAE. Bocelli and EJAE performed the official FIFA World Cup anthem "DNA," a sweeping orchestral piece that blended classical and contemporary pop elements. The opening match followed, with host nation Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in Group A.

FIFA World Cup Song "Goals": What It Is And Who Made It

"Goals" was released on May 21 as part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. The track was produced by Grammy-winning producer Cirkut, known for his work with artists like The Weeknd and Doja Cat, alongside Bava, PinkSlip, and Brazilian duo Tropkillaz. The song is a trilingual affair — sung in English, Spanish, and Portuguese — reflecting the cultural backgrounds of its performers and the tournament's global audience.

LISA opens the track with a confident English verse before Anitta takes over, seamlessly switching between all three languages in a display of her vocal versatility. Rema closes the song with a characteristically smooth Afrobeats verse, backed by a driving beat that incorporates elements of Latin pop, K-pop, and contemporary African rhythms. The choice of artists is no coincidence: K-pop, Latin pop, and Afrobeats have together driven the largest share of global streaming growth over the past five years, and the three performers represent Asia, Latin America, and Africa respectively.

"Being a part of the Official FIFA World Cup Album this year has been so exciting," LISA said in a statement. "To collaborate with Anitta and Rema on 'Goals' and to perform it at the opening ceremony is a dream come true. I hope our song inspires fans around the world to chase their own goals."

The song has already amassed over 50 million streams across platforms since its release, and its live debut generated trending discussions on social media throughout the night. Music critics praised the track for its infectious energy and seamless genre fusion, though some noted that its lyrics — focused on ambition and victory — fitted the sporting context perfectly.

Historic Significance: LISA's Milestone

For LISA, the performance marked the pinnacle of a career that has already seen her break multiple barriers as a Thai artist in the K-pop industry. As a member of BLACKPINK, she has sold millions of albums and performed at Coachella, but a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony carries a different kind of weight — it is a platform watched by over a billion people globally.

Previous headliners of World Cup opening ceremonies include global icons like Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Pitbull. By joining that list, LISA not only represents Thailand but also opens doors for other Southeast Asian artists to be considered for such high-profile events. Her achievement was celebrated by Thai fans who flooded social media with messages of pride, and by K-pop communities who noted that female soloists from the genre have historically been underrepresented at major international sporting events.

Anitta, meanwhile, continues to solidify her status as a global pop ambassador for Brazil. She has previously performed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has collaborated with Madonna, Snoop Dogg, and J Balvin. Rema, only 26 years old, represents the new wave of Afrobeats artists who have taken the world by storm following the success of acts like Burna Boy and Wizkid. His song "Calm Down" with Selena Gomez remains one of the most streamed songs of the decade.

What's Next For Music At The FIFA World Cup 2026

The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album has been building toward this moment for months, with previous singles including "Lighter," "Por Ella," "Echo," and "Illuminate" already released. "Dai Dai" by Shakira and Burna Boy is the tournament's official song and has been played at stadiums throughout the group stage matches. The album's strategy has been to release singles gradually, maintaining momentum for the tournament's duration.

The biggest musical moment is still to come. On July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS are confirmed to co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show. The eleven-minute performance is curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, with the aim of delivering a message of unity and peace. This marks the first time a World Cup final has included a halftime show — a format borrowed from the Super Bowl — and it is expected to draw record viewership.

In addition to the halftime show, FIFA has announced that various artists will perform during the final match's pre-game and post-game segments. The inclusion of BTS, who are currently on a break but have reunited for this event, underscores the growing influence of K-pop in global entertainment. Madonna, who has performed at previous World Cup events, brings decades of pop authority, while Shakira — who famously performed "Waka Waka" for the 2010 World Cup — is a beloved figure in football culture.

The 2026 World Cup music program has been praised for its diversity, but also faces scrutiny over commercialization. Critics point out that the halftime show is sponsored by a major beverage brand, and some purists argue that football should not mimic American sports entertainment. Nonetheless, the collaboration between music and sport has become an integral part of the modern World Cup experience.

Behind the scenes, the album's producers are already discussing plans for a deluxe edition featuring remixes and additional tracks. There is even speculation that a live album recording from the opening ceremonies might be released later this year. For now, the focus remains on the tournament itself, with matches continuing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico until the final on July 19.

Source: Forbes News