Katy Perry and others to light up World Cup kickoffs with live performances

The World Cup is getting a musical head start this year. Before any ball is kicked, big names will take the stage in three cities to hype up fans. In California, where the U. S. team opens against Paraguay, Katy Perry will headline a star-studded lineup that also includes Future, Lisa, Tyla, Anitta, Rema, and DJ Sanjoy. The show starts 90 minutes before the whistle blows, turning the stadium into a concert hall before it becomes a soccer field. Mexico’s opening match against South Africa in Mexico City won’t miss out on the fun either. Tyla will perform there alongside Latin legends like Alejandro Fernández, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Belinda, J Balvin, and groups Los Ángeles Azules and Maná. The mix shows how the tournament is blending different music styles to match its global audience.Over in Toronto, Canada’s first game against Bosnia and Herzegovina will feature Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, William Prince, Elyanna, and Vegedream. DJ Sanjoy joins them, bringing electronic beats to the mix. This lineup reflects Canada’s diverse music scene, from pop to Indigenous-influenced sounds. These pre-game shows aren’t just random filler—they’re part of FIFA’s push to make the tournament feel bigger. By pairing soccer with live music, organizers hope to create a festival-like atmosphere from the very first whistle. The timing is tight, starting right before kickoff, so players and fans get an immediate energy boost. It’s not just about entertainment, though. These performances also highlight local and global artists, giving them a global stage. For fans, it means more than just watching a game—it’s a chance to experience culture before the sport even begins.