Drummer wears Palestinian keffiyeh During World Cup opening ceremony in US
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A drummer drew widespread attention during the pre-match entertainment for the United States’ opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by wearing a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh while performing with a drumline.
The gesture occurred at SoFi Stadium ahead of the Group D match between the host United States and Paraguay.
Video footage shared widely on social media shows the musician, dressed in the standard red uniform of the drumline performers, with a black-and-white keffiyeh draped over his shoulders as the group performed in the packed stadium.
A Percussionist wears Palestinian keffiyeh during FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. pic.twitter.com/ozx9fpgMsk
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) June 13, 2026
The gesture was an apparent individual act of solidarity with Palestine, noting that the rest of the drumline wore identical uniforms without similar accessories, suggesting it was not part of the official production.
The keffiyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern headdress that has become a global symbol of Palestinian identity and solidarity.
FIFA maintains a policy of political neutrality during matches and official events.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, features separate opening ceremonies in each host country.
The US ceremony included high-profile performances by artists such as Katy Perry, Future, LISA, and Tyla, alongside local cultural elements. The United States went on to defeat Paraguay in their opener.
This event adds to a series of symbolic gestures related to the Palestinian cause observed during the tournament’s opening days across the three host nations.
