SPORTS
Los Angeles faces World Cup opener protest threats
PUBLISHED Jun 12, 2026, 5:23 AM ET
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Los Angeles is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium today, June 12, 2026, amid organized boycott threats and heightened security planning. Pop star Katy Perry is scheduled to headline the event at 1:30 p.m. EDT, joined by Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla, ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay kickoff at 3:00 p.m. EDT. FIFA’s decision to feature Perry has drawn strong criticism from some football fan groups, who question her relevance to the sport and denounce growing commercialization. Authorities have been alerted to possible disruptions around the stadium as tensions mount over the event’s direction.
By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Today, June 12, 2026, Los Angeles hosts World Cup opener
- Today, 1:30 p.m. EDT, Katy Perry headlining ceremony
- Today, supporting acts join opening performance lineup
- Today, 3:00 p.m. EDT, USA faces Paraguay
- Recent days, fan groups organize boycott campaigns
- Recent days, critics denounce increasing tournament commercialization
- Recently, security officials warned about potential disruptions
- Tournament period, expanded 48-team format spans cities
News Intelligence
- The World Cup opener could impact your day, especially if you're in LA. Heightened security could mean traffic disruptions. If you're a football fan, the boycotts and commercialization debates might affect your viewing experience. Check local news for updates.
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