Skip to content

Odds for Katy Perry Songs at World Cup Opening Ceremony

By Paul Lebowitz in Entertainment

Published:


katy perry world cup songs odds
Katy Perry arrives for the 56th CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. © Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
  • After endless fanfare, the 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup is finally set to get underway with the three host nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — each holding Opening Ceremonies
  • In the U.S., Katy Perry is set to perform on Friday, June 12, with all the pageantry accompanying the global event
  • Prediction markets are paying attention to every aspect of the World Cup and offering options for users to take part, including investing in what songs Perry will sing at the USA Opening Ceremonies

Befitting a worldwide phenomenon like the World Cup, the opening ceremonies are an event unto themselves, with some of the most luminous stars in entertainment set to take the stage. Katy Perry is one of the most prominent names, and she will perform at the U.S. venue at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Perry has been one of the world’s biggest pop stars for two decades and has had a seemingly endless list of hit songs. At massive sporting events like the World Cup and the Super Bowl, there is persistent speculation as to which songs the artist will and will not perform. Some try to placate the crowd. Others strive to make a statement. Still others want to stand out from other performers in some way. And the advertisers, the venue, and the event itself have significant say.

Perry has been active politically for Democrats and is dating former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is decidedly on the left. That should be considered when gauging which songs she might perform. While many are pop hits for everyone to sing and dance along with her, others have an underlying message attached to what she believes and wants to convey. The World Cup organizers want to be inclusive and inoffensive, so that could also be a factor in her song selection.

Prediction markets offer options as to which songs she will perform at the USA World Cup Opening Ceremony.

Odds for Katy Perry Songs at World Cup Opening Ceremony

This is a brand new market, so there will inevitably be percentage swings regarding which songs she will perform. Volume is light at the moment, just now over $2,200.

The options include her biggest hits, led by “Firework,” with just under three-quarters of those involved in the market saying she will perform that song. Then the numbers start to drop.

“Roar” was a major hit with roots in female empowerment. It is in the mid-50s. Next comes “Hot n Cold” with just under half the users thinking it will be part of her set. “Teenage Dream” and “California Gurls” are in the mid-30s. One of her first hits, “I Kissed a Girl” is well down on the list in the low single digits.

To weigh in on this market, the Kalshi referral code offers new users a $10 Sign-Up Bonus once $10 in trades are completed.

The market rules dictate that Katy Perry must perform the selected song at the 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in the USA prior to June 13, 2026. If she does, the market resolves to Yes. FIFA and Fox will verify the outcome.

Firework

“Firework” is one of her biggest hits, and its lyrics and upbeat sound are both poignant and danceable. It catches the spirit of the World Cup in trying to inspire those who might be overwhelmed. It celebrates the spirit of fighting against the odds. With lyrics mentioning “shoot across the sky” and “leave ’em all in awe, awe, awe,” it easily translates to a sports setting. There will certainly be upsets during the World Cup, and this song exemplifies what the underdogs will feel as they walk off the field following a stunning victory.

She’s almost assuredly going to perform “Firework” and the percentage of users predicting it reflects that belief. It has the highest percentage on the market right now.

Roar

“Roar” is in a similarly inspiring vein as “Firework,” but more personal. It has been used repeatedly by women in various capacities, particularly politicians running for office and fighting back against misogyny.

Its lyrics are centered on her finding the will to speak out and stand up for herself, fighting back against adversity, talking about coming through in the clutch, and “roaring” after a victory.

This certainly sounds like the type of song that will inspire fans and athletes as they prepare to take the field in the World Cup.

The percentage is in the mid-50s, so there is room to profit from a song she is more likely than not to sing based on the occasion.

I Kissed a Girl

“I Kissed a Girl” was one of her earliest and biggest hits. While it was nearly 20 years ago, there could be a mischievous attempt to drop it in during her performance, given her politics.

There is a perception that the current political climate is trying to bring society back to a place where people who differ from the supposed norm should hide who they are or be penalized for failing to do so. Perry is outspoken in her beliefs, and given the forum with a worldwide audience, there is a chance that she drops in “I Kissed a Girl’ to send a message.

The percentage is in the low single digits, so few expect her to perform it. But there is some minor justification to think she will, and the opportunity to profit massively if she does.

Paul Lebowitz

Paul Lebowitz is a novelist, columnist, social commentator, and the author of eight published books on baseball – one novel and seven baseball guide/previews. He covers sports, politics, and pop culture. Paul graduated from Hunter College with a degree in English. He lives in New York City.

Recommended Reading