Sir David Beckham, the first English player to win league titles in four countries, was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on ‌Friday (June 12, 2026), the day the U.S.-hosted portion of the 2026 World Cup kicked off with eight matches set for Los ⁠Angeles.

Rather than a traditional Hollywood red carpet, the ceremony featured a green soccer-themed pitch carpet to commemorate the occasion.

Radio host Ellen K. introduced speakers, including ‌Tom Cruise and Mr. Beckham’s wife, Victoria Beckham. Mr. Cruise praised Mr. Beckham’s journey, saying it was “a Hollywood story” of hard work, determination ‌and global influence on sport and culture.

Ms. Victoria Beckham said ‌the ⁠honour felt timely ahead of the World Cup in ⁠Los Angeles. She noted that soccer in the U.S. is entering “one of the most exciting chapters in its history.”

Taking the podium, Mr. Beckham called the moment “surreal.” He reflected on growing up in East ‌London with dreams of playing soccer, never imagining recognition in Hollywood. He spoke about the scepticism he faced after joining Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy in 2007, as many fans questioned why the ‌U.S. was so late to embrace the globally popular sport.

Mr. Beckham, who is now president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, said he was proud of the sport’s ⁠growing popularity in the U.S. He also had a special message for his children.

“I’m going to get emotional now. Kids, I hope ‌you bring my grandchildren here one day and tell them about a boy who dreams big to make you all proud is my greatest achievement,” he said.

Over a 20-year career, Mr. Beckham played for some of the world’s most prominent teams, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain.

Primarily a right ‌midfielder, he was renowned for his precise passing and crossing ability and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Mr. Beckham’s influence extended into pop culture with projects such ⁠as Netflix’s docuseries “Beckham,” chronicling his soccer journey, and “Victoria Beckham,” focusing on his ⁠wife’s evolution from Spice Girl to fashion mogul. The film “Bend It Like Beckham” was also inspired by his legacy.

Since ‌retiring as a player in 2013, Mr. Beckham has remained a global figure through partnerships with major brands including Adidas, Bank of America, Hugo Boss, Stella Artois and Sands.

Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup in the Estadio Azteca on Thursday (June 11, 2026) ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

The 48-team tournament is also being hosted by the United States and Canada and will feature 104 games, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Dancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup trophy while fireworks went off in the historic 80,000-capacity stadium which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and has been renovated for this year’s tournament.

Performers on the pitch during the opening ceremony before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
AP

In the highlight of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai”, the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.

J Balvin and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli were among the other performers before kickoff as the noise levels ramped up.

“It’s already a party in Mexico,” Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old supporter, told AFP. “It’s amazing,” said Gustavo Ramírez, 19.

While there was a festive atmosphere inside the stadium, there were chaotic scenes in the centre of Mexico City where thousands of fans pushed and shoved as they attempted to enter the official World Cup fan zone shortly before the 1800 GMT kickoff.

Access to the fan zone in Zocala plaza was hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers reaching the area.

“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” a city official shouted through a megaphone as he tried to control access to the venue where the opening game was to be shown on a giant screen.

Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police as well as chanting in support of the Mexican team.

“It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan. “There could have been better organization.”

The local government announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas.

President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone but cast doubt on her presence following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.

Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup in the Estadio Azteca on Thursday (June 11, 2026) ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

The 48-team tournament is also being hosted by the United States and Canada and will feature 104 games, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Dancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup trophy while fireworks went off in the historic 80,000-capacity stadium which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and has been renovated for this year’s tournament.

Performers on the pitch during the opening ceremony before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
AP

In the highlight of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai”, the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.

J Balvin and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli were among the other performers before kickoff as the noise levels ramped up.

“It’s already a party in Mexico,” Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old supporter, told AFP. “It’s amazing,” said Gustavo Ramírez, 19.

While there was a festive atmosphere inside the stadium, there were chaotic scenes in the centre of Mexico City where thousands of fans pushed and shoved as they attempted to enter the official World Cup fan zone shortly before the 1800 GMT kickoff.

Access to the fan zone in Zocala plaza was hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers reaching the area.

“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” a city official shouted through a megaphone as he tried to control access to the venue where the opening game was to be shown on a giant screen.

Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police as well as chanting in support of the Mexican team.

“It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan. “There could have been better organization.”

The local government announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas.

President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone but cast doubt on her presence following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.