Ghorbal has refereed just 21 matches in his career, but he was part of the 2022 World Cup crew. In the current 2026 edition, he handled the Scotland-Haiti match, where he handed out four yellow cards in a game disrupted by 44 fouls.

This game offers a rematch of a June 2025 international friendly where Turkiye edged the United States 2-1, a game that saw early goals from Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu before a late physical battle unfolded. Ghorbal will be wearing turqouise today as the USA and Turkiye uniforms are also set.

Mustapha Ghorbal stats ahead of the game

His stats show an official who isn’t afraid to blow the whistle to protect players, but he typically avoids premature red cards, preferring to establish boundaries early using verbal warnings and targeted cautions.

Overall, Ghorbal averages 3.05 yellow cards and 0.1 red cards per match. He is the type of referee who refuses to let violence escalate on the pitch, and he is expected to run a tight ship with both Turkish and American players.

Tactical impact: fighting for control

The USMNT will need to maintain defensive discipline, particularly given their tendency to drop into a tighter, heavy-fouling shape when under pressure. During their previous friendly against Turkyie, late-match frustration resulted in quick yellow cards as they struggled to slow down Turkey’s dynamic counter-attack.

Suzuki has never publicly spoken about why he chose Japan over the US, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, despite being born in New Jersey, his family decided to move to Japan so he could grow up immersed in his mother’s culture.

Suzuki’s development took off in Japan. While he easily could have chosen to play for the US, or even represented Ghana, his father’s home country, he was already so deeply integrated into the Japanese soccer system. It became obvious he would be yet another overseas-born player to join the Japan squad.

Is Suzuki a good goalkeeper?

The numbers say yes. In his most recent 2025-26 club season in Italy with Parma, he allowed just 28 goals and made 65 saves across 20 games. That amounts to a 71.1% save percentage, marking his highest efficiency rating yet.

Suited up alongside his Japan teammates, who have occasionally worn their famous blue jerseys at the World Cup, he made his tournament debut in a -2-2 draw against the Netherlands. Suzuki recorded 4 saves on 6 shots on target for a 66.7% save percentage, a highly impressive debut on such a massive stage.

Did Suzuki ever play in the US?

No. Suzuki spent his entire youth career in Japan from 2009 to 2020. He started with the Urawa Red Diamonds, the club that gave him his professional debut in 2021. He stayed there until 2024 before moving to his current club, Parma.

He was never involved at any level of US Soccer; his entire path was built with Japan. He climbed through the ranks from his first 7 appearances with the U-15 team, moving up to the U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-23 squads until he earned his first senior international cap with Japan in 2022.

As Paraguay returns to the sport’s biggest stage for the first time since 2010, attention will turn to the pre-match ceremony and the artists chosen to represent the nation’s identity in front of a global audience.

Acclaimed Paraguayan duo Purahei Soul, comprised of Jennifer Hicks Enciso and Miguel Narvaez, will perform the Paraguayan national anthem ahead of La Albirroja’s World Cup debut against the U.S. in Los Angeles.

Who are Purahei Soul?

Purahei Soul is a Paraguayan musical duo made up of Jennifer Hicks Enciso and Miguel Narvaez, known for blending traditional Paraguayan sounds with jazz, blues and contemporary influences.

The duo was formed in 2013 after they met during a jazz seminar while studying at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Art at the National University of Asuncion. What began as performances of folk songs and jazz standards gradually evolved into a distinctive musical identity rooted in Paraguayan culture.

Their name reflects that philosophy. “Purahei” means “song” in Guarani, Paraguay’s indigenous language, while “Soul” references both the genre’s emotional depth and the Afro-American influences that helped shape their sound.

What songs are Purahei Soul best known for?

Purahei Soul is best known for songs such as “Desapego“, “Mbaraka Love” and tracks from their acclaimed album Swing Guarani. Their music stands out for combining Paraguayan folklore with modern arrangements and socially conscious storytelling.

Released in 2018, Swing Guarani became the project’s breakthrough album and introduced international audiences to the duo’s multilingual approach. The record featured songs performed in Guarani, Spanish and English, showcasing their ability to move between genres without losing their Paraguayan essence.

Was this Purahei Soul’s first FIFA World Cup appearance?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Purahei Soul’s first appearance at an official FIFA World Cup ceremony. There is no record of the duo participating in previous editions of the tournament, making the anthem performance a historic milestone.

FIFA confirmed that Jennifer Hicks Enciso and Miguel Narvaez would perform Paraguay’s national anthem before the match against the United States after weeks of speculation about who would receive the honor.

Their selection was widely celebrated in Paraguay, where supporters viewed the decision as an opportunity to showcase the country’s artistic talent on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

But while organizers aimed to create unforgettable memories, fans online quickly found moments they would never let slide. As clips from the ceremony spread across social media, the reactions came just as fast as the action on the field.

Viewers dissected everything from Katy Perry‘s setlist and Future‘s performance to over-the-top theatrics and unexpected celebrity cameos, turning the event into a goldmine for jokes, memes and viral commentary.

Memes and reactions of the World Cup opening ceremony in LA

The ceremony will take place at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) on June 12, ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay match, marking the final stop of a historic three-country opening celebration across Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Unlike previous World Cups, FIFA has broken tradition by staging three separate opening ceremonies. In America, the lineup is expected to blend pop, hip-hop, Afrobeats and global crossover sounds with LISA, Anitta, Rema and Tyla.

2026 FIFA World Cup USA opening ceremony setlist

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony setlist in the United States featured a star-studded lineup led by Tyla and Future, delivering a high-energy mix of global hits and FIFA-curated performances at Los Angeles Stadium.

The ceremony marked a major shift in World Cup entertainment. Alongside Future, the stage also included performances from artists such as LISA, Anitta and Rema, all contributing to the official music campaign.

Rather than relying on a traditional anthem-style performance, the event was structured around a curated setlist built from FIFA’s official World Cup 2026 soundtrack and exclusive live arrangements created specifically for the show.

The songs performed during the ceremony in the United States are:

• Game Time by Future and Tyla
• Goals by LISA ft Anitta and Rema
• Wonder by Katy Perry

While attention quickly shifted to the match itself, the musical kickoff became an immediate talking point across social media and broadcast coverage. It opened with a stadium-filling performance meant to capture the global spirit of the Cup.

Katy Perry, LISA of Blackpink, Future, Tyla, Rema and the Brazilian star Anitta were the artists who took the stage to carry out the most anticipated celebration of the last four years. But, what was the first song that played?

What was the first song of the opening ceremony?

The first song of the opening ceremony before USA vs Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup was the opening musical cue used to launch the United States segment of FIFA’s global halftime-style spectacle: “Game Time” by Future ft Tyla.

The ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium followed FIFA’s multi-host format, where each country staged its own kickoff celebration before its opening match. In the U.S. segment, the production opened with a coordinated audiovisual intro.

Artists such as Katy Perry, Future and Tyla were part of the lineup that shaped the show’s soundtrack-driven structure. The opening moment served as a bridge between the ceremonial FIFA intro visuals and the first live performance on stage.

The 2026 tournament will feature an unprecedented structure, with three separate opening ceremonies across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The U.S. celebration is set to take place at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium).

The pre-game show, which will take place before the U.S. Men’s National Team vs Paraguay, is expected to last around 13–16 minutes, although the activities will begin 90 minutes before the opening match in the United States host venue.

Will the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony performers get paid?

There is no official confirmation that Katy Perry, LISA, Future, Tyla, Anitta or Rema will receive performance fees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. However, according to estimates, it appears they will not receive payment.

This is because, in this type of sporting event, artists are compensated through exposure. A very similar situation happens with the Super Bowl, where halftime show headliners do not receive financial compensation.

Katy Perry is the main headliner, so she is expected to perform some of her biggest hits. Without a doubt, the show will be packed with stars, as the stage will also feature Future, LISA, Tyla, Anitta, Rema and DJ Sanjoy.

FIFA has confirmed that eight artists will take part in the opening ceremony before USA vs. Paraguay. Katy Perry and Future headline the show, while Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla round out the international music lineup.

Country duo Dan + Shay will perform the United States national anthem, while Paraguayan group Purahei Soul has been selected to sing Paraguay’s anthem. Actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis will also appear as an ambassador.

Why did FIFA choose this lineup for the opening ceremony?

According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the artists were selected to showcase America’s influence on music and entertainment while highlighting the many communities and diasporas that shape the country’s identity.

“The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country“, Infantino said.

He added that the Los Angeles celebration is intended to represent “the extraordinary scale” of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the largest edition ever, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.

That philosophy is evident in the artists FIFA selected. Katy Perry and Future bring two of the most recognizable sounds in American pop culture, representing mainstream pop and hip-hop.

Brazilian superstar Anitta was included as a nod to the growing influence of Latin music in the United States, particularly in multicultural cities such as Los Angeles, where Hispanic communities have long helped shape the local cultural landscape.

The addition of LISA, one of the world’s biggest K-pop stars through BLACKPINK, reflects FIFA’s effort to appeal to younger audiences and the enormous global popularity of Korean entertainment. Rema and Tyla, meanwhile, symbolize the worldwide rise of Afrobeats and African pop music.

FIFA also ensured that the ceremony remained connected to the match itself. Country duo Dan + Shay will perform the United States national anthem, while Paraguayan folk group Purahei Soul will sing Paraguay‘s anthem before kickoff.

The game started with a lot of intensity from the home team, with Christian Pulisic leading most of the attacks. Nevertheless, it was Portugal who scored first with a goal by Francisco Trincao in the first half.

For the second 45 minutes, Portugal dominated the game completely. Joao Felix scored the second goal of the night with a beautiful shot to secure the victory on the road.

[Watch United States vs Belgium online in the US on Fubo]

As preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify, marquee friendlies are taking center stage—and this matchup between the United States and Belgium is one to watch. Belgium, a traditional WC team, brings a deep, dangerous roster with serious title ambitions.

Facing the European side will be the host United States, who continues fine-tuning its squad ahead of the big stage. With both sides treating this as a key test against top-tier competition, expect a high-level battle you won’t want to miss.

When will the United States vs Belgium match be played?

United States clash with Belgium in a 2026 friendly game this Saturday, March 28, with the match kicking off at 3:30 PM (ET).

United States vs Belgium: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch United States vs Belgium in the USA

This Friendly clash between United States and Belgium will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Peacock Premium, Sling Orange, Max, TNT, TruTV, Telemundo and Universo.

Under the glow of a global stage returning to North America, the U.S. Men’s National Team watched its World Cup path begin to take shape. The draw delivered intrigue, familiar tension, and the quiet promise of early drama ahead.

With the tournament expanding and pressure rising at home, every ball in the draw carried weight beyond the paper. Old rivals, distant styles, and logistical challenges now hover over the opening chapter of the U.S. campaign.

The group assignment sets the tone long before the first kickoff, shaping rhythm, risk, and recovery. For the United States, the road to 2026 now carries names, dates and storylines that will soon move from paper to pitch alive.

USA confirmed in Group D as host nation

According to the official draw procedures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the host countries U.S., Mexico and Canada are automatically placed in Pot 1 and pre-assigned to specific groups. For the United States, that slot is Group D.

That means the U.S. will enter the group stage as “D1” — the top-seeded position in that group. Being in Pot 1, and avoiding the biggest seeds in the same group, gives them a strategic advantage in terms of draw balance.

Still, that status offers no guarantees of smooth sailing. The U.S. will be tested by several tough opponents, with Australia, Paraguay and the winner of Playoff C (Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo) rounding out Group D at the 2026 World Cup.

What the group means for Team USA

Playing a World Cup at home brings a rare mix of comfort and pressure, and the group draw is the first reminder that familiar stadiums do not guarantee familiar battles. The United States enters its section of the bracket with the advantage of crowd support but also with a spotlight that magnifies every early step.

Beyond geography, the group represents a collision of styles. North American rhythm will meet soccer cultures shaped by different tempos, climates and tactical traditions. These early matchups often reveal how prepared a host truly is for the deeper layers of the tournament.

History suggests that group stages can quietly define entire World Cup runs. A calculated win, a tense draw or a costly slip can reshape expectations overnight. For the US, this group it’s a starting point and the lens through which the 2026 campaign will first be judged.