Story perspectives

Katy Perry Opens LA World Cup; Rubio Attends, Trump Skips

6/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Katy Perry opened the Los Angeles World Cup ceremony in a Stella McCartney dress, performed “Wonder” with 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka before the U.S.–Paraguay opening match.
Dan + Shay sang the U.S. anthem, Purahéi Soul performed Paraguay’s anthem, and Future, Anitta, Blackpink’s Lisa and Tyla performed.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney skipped the event.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the ceremony in Los Angeles.

History

Historical Context

The 2006 FIFA World Cup opened in Berlin on 9 June 2006 after Germany won the hosting rights in July 2000, the first tournament staged by a reunified Germany. The opening ceremony and nationwide Fan Fests drew about 21 million visitors, with Berlin alone seeing roughly 9 million, showing FIFA’s collaboration with German authorities and Deutsche Telekom to blend sport, diplomacy and commerce.

1 of 2

Story summary

Katy Perry opened the Los Angeles World Cup ceremony in a Stella McCartney dress, performed “Wonder” with 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka before the U.S.–Paraguay opening match.
Dan + Shay sang the U.S. anthem, Purahéi Soul performed Paraguay’s anthem, and Future, Anitta, Blackpink’s Lisa and Tyla performed.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney skipped the event.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the ceremony in Los Angeles.

1 / 2