World Cup 2026 fans launch fresh attack on empty stadiums – “Lame as f***!”

Football fans have criticised the United States' World Cup opening ceremony, which took place ahead of the USMNT's first match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday.

Mauricio Pochettino's side made a perfect start to their campaign, picking up an impressive 4-1 win, but there was some criticism of the fact the stadium looked “half empty” during the opening ceremony.

Fans fume at “lame as f***” World Cup opening ceremony

The US are one of three joint-hosts for the 2026 World Cup and were the last of those nations to kick off, with Mexico kicking off the tournament by beating South Africa 2-0 in front of a raucous and passionate crowd.

The stands were also packed for Mexico's opening ceremony and fans were quick to make comparisons while watching the US's offering, with one noting on social media: “It’s so f***ing empty! Lame as f***!”

“Difference between the opening ceremonies in Mexico and the USA: One had packed stands, noise, passion, and an atmosphere that felt like the World Cup. The other had noticeable empty seats… not a good look at all,” added a second.

A third wrote: “The stadium is so empty for the USA opening ceremony.”

Future and Tyla kicked off the ceremony by performing their song ‘Game Time' and they were followed by a rendition of the song ‘Goals' by Lisa, Rema and Anitta.

The ceremony ended with Katy Perry performing her song ‘Wonder' alongside 10-year-old Tius Luka, with the stadium filling up as it got closer to kick off.

Following the conclusion of the ceremony, both the US and Paraguay were able to do a quick warm-up before the game began and the official attendance was announced as a 70,492.

There has been plenty of criticism over ticket prices for the World Cup and thousands of tickets for the game were still unsold just days before, with many supporters buying theirs at the last minute at significantly cheaper rates.

Those in attendance cheered the US on to an impressive victory, with Folarin Balogun bagging a brace, Damian Bobadilla scoring an unfortunate own goal and Giovanni Reyna also finding the back of the net.

Speaking after the game, Pochettino hailed the fans and stated that their “energy translated to the team”.

“The fans were amazing,” Pochettino said. “On behalf of the whole team, massive thank you to the fans. The energy translated to the team was amazing.”

FGG Says:

Ticket prices have been a major source of controversy leading into the World Cup and it remains to be seen how much of an effect it will have on the crowds throughout the tournament.

Either way, it is somewhat surprising that the stadium was nowhere near full for the opening ceremony because there were some major artists on show, even though the performances did start more than an hour before kick off.