BLACKPINK’s Lisa has officially made history as the first female K-pop idol and the first Thai artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. On June 12, 2026, the global superstar took the stage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, joining Brazilian pop sensation Anitta and Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema to deliver a spectacular live rendition of their collaborative track, “Goals.” The performance served as the grand finale for the United States’ opening ceremony ahead of the USMNT’s match against Paraguay, setting a vibrant and energetic tone for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Historic Milestone for K-Pop on the Global Stage
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, uniquely co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, features distinct opening ceremonies for each host nation. While Shakira kicked off the festivities in Mexico City and Michael Bublé headlined the Canadian event in Toronto, the Los Angeles ceremony was defined by its incredible star power and global representation. Lisa’s appearance at this monumental sporting event represents a massive leap forward for K-pop’s integration into mainstream global pop culture.
By headlining the SoFi Stadium stage, Lisa follows in the footsteps of her industry peer, BTS’s Jungkook, who previously performed “Dreamers” at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar. However, Lisa’s performance marks the first time a female K-pop artist and a Southeast Asian artist has been given this prestigious honor. The magnitude of the moment was not lost on the artist, who expressed her profound gratitude following the event.
“Music unites people around the world. It is an honor to work with Anitta and Rema.”
— Lisa (BLACKPINK)
Visual Spectacle: The “Goals” Performance at SoFi Stadium
The performance itself was a masterclass in visual storytelling and dynamic choreography, perfectly capturing the essence of the host city, Los Angeles. Lisa initiated the highly anticipated stage surrounded by intricate white cutouts that celebrated iconic Southern California imagery, including a surfboard, palm trees, and the famous Santa Monica Ferris wheel. Her outfit—a striking white corset paired with matching shorts and knee-high boots—commanded attention as she executed precise, high-energy choreography alongside a team of backup dancers dressed in coordinated streetwear featuring adidas shorts and sneakers.
The staging seamlessly transitioned as dancers broke apart a massive Hollywood sign prop to reveal Anitta, who brought her signature Latin pop flair in white baggy pants and a layered crop top. The energy continued to build when Rema emerged in a sparkling white hoodie and pants adorned with chains, adding his unique Afrobeats rhythm to the track. The performance culminated in a powerful grand finale where all three global icons united at the center of the pitch, dancing in front of a massive replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy as the crowd of over 70,000 fans erupted in applause.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Official Album
“Goals” is a standout track on the first-ever official FIFA World Cup album, a groundbreaking 18-track project designed to reflect the international spirit of the tournament. The album brings together an eclectic mix of artists from around the globe. Alongside the explosive collaboration between Lisa, Anitta, and Rema, the project features major names such as Stormzy, Daddy Yankee, 21 Savage, and Tyla.
The official anthem for the 2026 tournament, titled “Dai Dai,” is performed by the undisputed queen of World Cup music, Shakira, alongside Burna Boy. Meanwhile, the lead single “Lighter” pairs country-rock star Jelly Roll with Mexican regional music sensation Carín León. The inclusion of “Goals” not only highlights the growing influence of K-pop, Latin music, and Afrobeats but also demonstrates FIFA’s commitment to curating a soundtrack that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide.
A Star-Studded Night in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles opening ceremony was a comprehensive celebration of music and sports. Before the Lisa, Anitta, and Rema collaboration stole the show, the event featured a variety of spectacular performances. Pop superstar Katy Perry delivered a touching rendition of her song “Wonder,” accompanied by 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka, while rapper Future and South African sensation Tyla performed their energetic World Cup track, “Game Time.” The patriotic tone for the evening was set by country music duo Dan + Shay, who performed the United States national anthem.
As the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) prepared to face off against Paraguay, the atmosphere at SoFi Stadium was electric. The pre-match hype was further amplified by a motivational video narrated by NFL legend Tom Brady, urging the American squad to rise to the occasion against the world’s best teams.
What This Means for Lisa’s Solo Career
Lisa’s triumphant performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony is a testament to her immense global appeal and her successful transition into a formidable solo artist. While BLACKPINK remains one of the most successful girl groups in history, Lisa has continuously proven her ability to command the international stage on her own terms. By collaborating with top-tier artists like Anitta and Rema and securing a prominent spot on the official World Cup album, she is solidifying her status as a versatile, cross-cultural icon.
This milestone event will undoubtedly introduce Lisa to an even broader audience, expanding her reach beyond the traditional K-pop fanbase and into the realm of global sports enthusiasts. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to unfold across North America, the unforgettable “Goals” performance will be remembered as a defining moment when K-pop officially conquered the world’s biggest sporting stage.
