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LOS ANGELES/TORONTO: FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway with a spectacular celebration across North America as the tournament’s final opening ceremony in Los Angeles showcased football’s global appeal, while host nations Canada and the United States made positive starts to their campaigns.
The football extravaganza continued on Friday with two Group D encounters. Canada was held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, while the United States produced an impressive performance to defeat Paraguay 4-1 in front of a passionate home crowd.
The results capped a memorable opening phase of the expanded 48-team tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first time in World Cup history.
In Los Angeles, widely regarded as the entertainment capital of the world, FIFA staged the third and final opening ceremony of the tournament. The event celebrated culture, diversity and football’s unique ability to bring people together across borders. International artists and performers entertained thousands of fans inside the stadium while millions watched around the globe, setting the stage for what organizers hope will be a historic summer of football.
The ceremony highlighted the ambition and scale of the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations, with organizers emphasizing themes of unity, inclusion and shared passion for the sport.
Earlier in Toronto, Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara delighted supporters with performances of her hit songs Wild Things and Here during the opening ceremony ahead of Canada’s clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The energetic show added a distinctly Canadian flavor to the tournament festivities and created a vibrant atmosphere inside the stadium.
On the field, Canada battled hard but had to settle for a draw against a resilient Bosnian side. The result gives both teams an important point as they begin their Group D campaigns.
The United States, meanwhile, delivered one of the strongest performances of the opening round. Backed by a vocal home crowd, the Americans dominated Paraguay and secured a convincing 4-1 victory to move to the top of their group. The win boosted confidence among supporters who believe the hosts can make a deep run in the tournament.
The opening matches have already provided a glimpse of the excitement expected throughout the competition, with packed stadiums, colorful fan celebrations and competitive football capturing global attention.
Mexico had earlier launched the tournament with a victory over South Africa, while South Korea also opened its campaign with a win over the Czech Republic, adding to the early drama of the month-long event.
With host nations attracting strong support and opening ceremonies drawing widespread praise, FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun on a high note. As more teams enter the competition over the coming days, fans around the world will be watching closely to see which nations emerge as genuine contenders for football’s biggest prize.
For now, the hosts have enjoyed an encouraging start both on and off the pitch, with packed crowds, memorable performances and exciting football signaling the beginning of what promises to be a landmark World Cup.
