The report says Perry and Luka performed “Wonder”, with the youngster taking part in the opening and closing verses while holding hands with the singer. It was a striking moment before the football began, placing a child performer at the centre of a global sporting occasion.
Their partnership reportedly goes back several years. Perry has said Luka recorded the song with her when he was younger, and that hearing his voice later inspired lyrics for the track. His journey from Norway to Los Angeles added another emotional layer to the ceremony.
Luka’s presence was not the only visual talking point. Perry appeared in a dramatic silver outfit, complete with a hoop-like structure that gave the dress a bold silhouette around her waist.
The metallic styling fitted the scale of a World Cup ceremony: theatrical, highly visible and designed to command attention in the moments before the whistle. While Luka brought an intimate, youthful element to the performance, Perry’s costume supplied the spectacle.
Opening ceremonies have become part of the tournament experience, offering host nations and organisers a chance to shape the mood before the competition takes over. This performance reportedly did that through a blend of celebrity, music and a cross-border story.
With the ceremony complete, the focus turns back to the pitch and the United States’ wider World Cup journey. The next storyline will be whether the hosts can match the energy of their opening show when the tournament’s football begins in earnest.