She was meant to be the headline act setting the tone for America's biggest footballing moment in three decades. Instead, Katy Perry left fans fuming — and then raised eyebrows further by turning up to the USA's opening World Cup game wearing a Canadian flag pin on her outfit.
One Song, Zero Satisfaction
The 41-year-old Southern California native took to the pitch at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Friday night, just minutes before USA faced Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup opener. With 70,000 fans packed into the stadium and millions more watching at home, expectations were sky-high. Perry was widely anticipated to belt out crowd-pleasing anthems like California Gurls and Firework — the sort of feel-good hits tailor-made for the occasion.
What she delivered instead was a single performance of Wonder, a little-known album track, alongside ten-year-old Norwegian musician Tius Luka. The reaction on social media was swift and brutal.
"What a trainwreck of a performance. She sounded terrible," wrote one disgruntled viewer, with others piling on to declare: "Get this s*** out of here."
A fourth viewer took aim at Perry's outfit, simply commenting: "Hilarious dress." Safe to say, the pop star's homecoming performance did not go down as planned.
The Canada Pin That Said It All
If the performance itself wasn't enough to get tongues wagging, eagle-eyed fans quickly spotted something rather telling pinned to Perry's ensemble — a small badge bearing the Canadian flag. At the USA's own World Cup opening ceremony. In Los Angeles.
The accessory makes more sense in the context of Perry's personal life. She is currently dating Justin Trudeau, Canada's former Prime Minister, whom she publicly referred to as the 'love of my life' when the pair appeared together on the red carpet earlier this month. Still, sporting a rival nation's colours at one of the most patriotic sporting occasions in US history was always going to raise a few eyebrows — and it duly did.
A Star-Studded Night in LA
Perry wasn't the only big name lighting up the evening. The opening ceremony also featured Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla, Brazilian star Anitta, and LISA from K-pop phenomenon Blackpink — all of whom electrified the California crowd. East Coast rapper Future also performed earlier in the evening.
Off the pitch, Hollywood turned out in force too, with Owen Wilson, Paris Hilton and Sofia Vergara all spotted in the stands. Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis even stepped onto the turf to lead a mini flag parade, giving the whole occasion a distinctly showbiz feel.
Meanwhile, the tournament's other two host nations had their own moments. Canada's ceremony in Toronto featured Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé, while Mexico City welcomed Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy — all considerably warmer receptions than the one Perry received.
USA Make a Flying Start
On the pitch, at least, everything went to plan. USA romped to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, with an own goal from Damian Bobadilla setting them on their way within just seven minutes. Folarin Balogun then grabbed a brace, and although Paraguay pulled one back, Gio Reyna sealed a commanding win in stoppage time. Mauricio Pochettino's side are already looking like genuine contenders in a tournament featuring 48 nations — the largest World Cup in history.
Katy Perry may not have given the crowd the pop spectacle they were hoping for, but with the USA already flying in Group play, most American fans will likely forgive and forget — Canada pin and all.
