There is absolutely no stopping the “Pretty Girl from Joburg.” South African global superstar Tyla has just unlocked an even bigger chapter in her historic 2026 FIFA World Cup journey.
On Friday night, the Grammy Award winner took center stage at the spectacular SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, performing the official World Cup anthem “Game Time” alongside American rap titan Future. The explosive performance served as the headline act for the United States’ opening ceremony festivities ahead of their high-stakes Group B clash against Paraguay.
Sharing the Stage with Global Heavyweights
The Los Angeles opening ceremony was a dazzling, multi-million dollar production featuring a true galaxy of global icons. Tyla and Future shared the performance lineup with heavy hitters including:
- Katy Perry
- LISA (Blackpink)
- Anitta
- Rema
Despite the massive star power in the building, Tyla’s smooth vocals and undeniable stage presence during “Game Time” completely stole the show, trending globally within minutes of hitting the turf.
A Massive Full-Circle Moment for Mzansi
Tyla’s Hollywood moment comes just days after she sparked massive national pride at the tournament’s first opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
There, she delivered a chilling, emotional rendition of the South African National Anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, alongside the Mzansi Youth Choir before Bafana Bafana’s match against Mexico. While fans on social media hilariously complained that her initial TV screen time was “way too short,” her wardrobe choices made sure South Africa wasn’t missed. Styled by Lee Trigg, she turned heads in a jaw-dropping, custom Naomi Tarazi “RSA” dress inspired by the colors of the national flag and the structural shape of a vuvuzela.
Now, transitioning from singing the anthem to headlining a stadium anthem with Future, Tyla has officially solidified her status as South Africa’s premier cultural export.
