Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The FIFA World Cup celebrity turnout was almost as impressive as the football on display as a host of A list stars packed SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to watch the United States defeat Paraguay 4 to 1 in their opening Group D match on Saturday. The host nation produced a dominant first half performance to launch its campaign in style, while some of the biggest names from Hollywood, music, sport and business watched from premium seats across the stadium.
The victory gives the United States an early advantage in the group and strengthens its hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament.
USA delivers statement victory
The United States wasted little time making an impression in front of a packed home crowd.
Three first half goals stunned Paraguay, a side widely regarded as one of South America's toughest teams during World Cup qualifying.
The Americans controlled large periods of the contest and eventually secured a convincing 4 to 1 win to begin their campaign on a high note.
The result places pressure on the other teams in Group D ahead of the next round of matches.
With Australia's Socceroos and Türkiye also competing in the group, every point could prove crucial in determining the final standings.
Hollywood royalty fills the stands
The football action was matched by an extraordinary celebrity presence throughout the venue.
Former England captain David Beckham attended alongside wife Victoria Beckham shortly after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Beckham also participated in a halftime signing session with Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, drawing significant attention from fans inside the stadium.
Academy Award winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted supporting the home side, while actress Halle Berry and actor Rob Lowe were also among the famous faces in attendance.
Their presence highlighted the growing appeal of football in the United States and the significance of hosting the World Cup.
Music and entertainment stars join celebrations
The opening match also featured major entertainment figures.
Global pop star Katy Perry performed before kickoff as part of the tournament's opening festivities in the United States.
Her appearance added another major event to a career that has included performances at some of the world's biggest sporting and cultural occasions.
Socialite and entrepreneur Paris Hilton was also present, while fans cheered when basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar appeared on the stadium's giant screens.
The event showcased the blend of sport and entertainment that has become a hallmark of major international tournaments hosted in the United States.
Sporting legends and business leaders attend
Several high profile sports figures were also among the crowd.
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart were both seen enjoying the match from the stands.
Former United States women's football star Alex Morgan attended to support the national team as it began its World Cup journey.
Technology billionaire Bill Gates occupied premium seating, while former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was another notable guest at the event.
The broad mix of attendees reflected the global attraction of the World Cup and the prestige attached to the tournament's opening fixtures.
Focus shifts to Socceroos clash
Attention will now turn to the United States' next group match against Australia.
The Americans are scheduled to face the Socceroos on June 20 in what could prove to be one of the decisive fixtures in Group D.
A second victory would place the host nation in a strong position to finish at the top of the group and secure a favourable path into the knockout rounds.
For Australia, the match represents an opportunity to challenge one of the tournament hosts and strengthen its own qualification hopes.
After an impressive opening performance and a star studded crowd at SoFi Stadium, confidence around the United States camp is certain to be growing as the World Cup gathers momentum.