Fresh from her national anthem performance at the World Cup opener, Tyla delivered another career-defining moment as she helped kick off the tournament celebrations in the United States.
Los Angeles, USA (14 June 2026) – For Tyla, it was a full-circle moment. For South Africans, it was a proud one. Just days after performing the national anthem at the FIFA World Cup opener, the global superstar returned to football’s biggest stage to help launch the tournament celebrations, proving once again that local talent can command the world’s attention.
The singer joined American rapper Future during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in the United States on Friday night, delivering what Rolling Stone described as a “high-voltage performance” of Game Time.
The YouTube video of the performance has already racked up 2 million views.
Released at the beginning of June, Game Time forms part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 album and was created to capture the energy, anticipation and excitement that surrounds the world’s biggest sporting event. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Cirkut, the song blends hip-hop and pop influences with bold brass arrangements, driving percussion and powerful vocals from both artists.
It’s Game Time with Future and Tyla 🇺🇸😎🇿🇦
Football’s biggest party continues in Los Angeles 🥳🎉
📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/K906kXadhz
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 13, 2026
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“The World Cup is a global stage. We made a record to match that energy. Now you know it’s Game Time,” he said.
For Tyla, the project carried even deeper significance.
“Being part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album feels like a full-circle moment for a girl from South Africa,” she said.
Over the past few years, Tyla has gone from being one of the country’s most exciting emerging artists to a globally recognised name, collecting awards, breaking records and introducing audiences around the world to a distinctly South African sound. Friday night’s performance felt like another milestone in a journey that continues to inspire. Standing on a stage watched by millions of football fans across the globe, Tyla represented more than just herself. She carried the hopes, pride and excitement of a country that loves seeing its people succeed on the international stage.
And social media certainly noticed.
“Tyla is the most gorgeous musician at the moment 😭😭❤”
“Future and Tyla did justice to this song it so amazing they are the combo we didn’t know we needed.”
“Y’all can say whatever but Tyla? she absolutely ate this ❤️”
As the FIFA World Cup unfolds over the coming weeks, there will be plenty of unforgettable moments on the pitch. But for many South Africans, one of the tournament’s most memorable moments has already happened, with a young woman from Johannesburg standing in front of the world and showing exactly what South African talent can do.
You can watch the performance by clicking this link (FIFA do not allow YouTube embedding).
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