Ludacris revved up Fast & Furious fans while celebrating the start of the 2026 World Cup.
The kickoff event for the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club took place Thursday at the Santa Monica Pier. Kevin Hart hosted the evening that included performances from Ludacris, DJ Pee .Wee and Disco Lines and celebrated Michelob ULTRA as the official beer sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026.
“I’m becoming a big fan of the sport, so I’m honestly really thrilled to be here tonight,” Hart told the crowd. In introducing Ludacris to the stage, the comedian said, “He’s a friend, he’s a brother, and — I’ll say it again — he’s an icon.”
Ludacris’ set included such hits as “Move Bitch,” “Area Codes,” “What’s Your Fantasy?” and “Stand Up.” He declared from the stage, “We are celebrating 26 years in the music industry,” pointing out that his first album from Def Jam was released in 2000.
During the concert, the performer — who is also known for an acting career that includes playing Tej Parker in the Fast & Furious film franchise — introduced “Act a Fool.” The song was his single from the soundtrack of 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious, the movie that marked Ludacris’ introduction to the series.
Kevin Hart attends the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside kickoff event for the 2026 World Cup.
Courtesy of Michelob ULTRA
“If we got some Fast fans, then when I say, ‘Act a,’ y’all say, ‘Fool,’” Ludacris said. He then instructed his DJ, “Take them to 2 Fast 2 Furious for all of the Fast fans in here tonight. Fast [11] on the way!”
In February, Universal announced that the forthcoming sequel in the racing series is titled Fast Forever and set for theatrical release March 17, 2028. Franchise star Vin Diesel also celebrated the news with a post at the time that read, “No one said the road would be easy… but it’s ours.”
During a conversation prior to the event, Disco Lines told The Hollywood Reporter that he was honored to be among the entertainers for the soccer-focused party. Serving as a free social hub for soccer fans, the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club runs from June 12-25. Shay Mitchell, Brooks Nader and Tyler Cameron were among the notable guests at Thursday’s kickoff.
“Anderson .Paak is incredible,” Disco Lines said about the musician who performed a DJ set as DJ Pee .Wee. “I’ve seen him seven times. He’s the best live performer.”
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