South African-born superstar Tyla’s World Cup story has reached an even bigger chapter.
The Johannesburg-born singer returned to the tournament’s global stage on Friday night, performing “Game Time” alongside American rap heavyweight Future during the FIFA World Cup 2026 celebrations at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles ahead of the United States’ clash against Paraguay.
As one of the official artists associated with the FifaWorld Cup 2026 soundtrack, the Grammy Award winner has gone from proudly singing her country’s anthem to sharing the spotlight with one of hip hop’s biggest names before millions of football fans around the world.
The Los Angeles festivities featured a star-studded line-up of international performers, including Katy Perry, LISA, Anitta and Rema, with Tyla and Future taking centre stage to perform their World Cup anthem, “Game Time”. The performance marked yet another milestone in Tyla’s meteoric rise from Johannesburg talent to global pop sensation.
For South Africans, the moment represents more than just another performance. It is a reminder of how far Tyla’s star has risen in a remarkably short space of time.
From carrying the South African flag through fashion and song in Mexico City to commanding an international stage in Los Angeles, she has become one of Mzansi’s most visible cultural exports at football’s biggest spectacle.
The “Chanel” hitmaker’s World Cup journey has become one of pride, fashion and full-circle moments for South Africans watching from home.
The singer first captured the globe’s attention when she delivered a stirring rendition of the South African national anthem alongside the Mzansi Youth Choir ahead of Bafana Bafana’s opening clash against hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Reflecting on the experience on social media, Tyla described it as a “core memory”, sharing that she felt deeply honoured to represent South Africa on one of the world’s grandest stages.
Mexico City’s opening celebrations were equally star-studded, with international artists including Shakira and Burna Boy helping usher in the start of football’s biggest tournament. Yet for many South Africans, Tyla’s appearance stood out as a powerful symbol of national pride as she represented Mzansi on one of sport’s grandest stages.
But while many celebrated seeing the “Pretty Girl from Joburg” at the World Cup, others were left wanting more. Social media lit up with humorous reactions from fans who joked that Tyla’s appearance during the opening ceremony had been over almost as soon as it had begun, with many arguing that the global star deserved far more than a fleeting moment in the spotlight.
Even in those brief appearances, however, Tyla ensured that South African pride remained front and centre. Styled by Lee Trigg, she turned heads in a custom RSA-inspired concept dress designed by Naomi Tarazi. The striking ensemble paid tribute to her roots through elements inspired by the colours of the South African flag and the unmistakable shape of the vuvuzela, blending patriotism with high fashion in a way only Tyla could.
From creating a “core memory” through the national anthem to sharing a World Cup stage with Future in Los Angeles, Tyla’s journey through the tournament has reflected both the pride of a nation and the growing reach of South African talent on the world stage.
