As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, visitors from Europe and beyond are reveling in the vibrant culture and diverse landscapes of the United States. Meanwhile, Americans are thrilled to see international guests exploring the country’s rich tapestry of attractions.
Amid this global celebration, it’s worth highlighting the stellar debut of the U.S. men’s soccer team on home turf. Their strong performance in the opening match has ignited a newfound excitement and pride among fans and players alike.
The event kicked off with a dynamic rendition of the national anthem by country music stars Dan and Shay, energizing the crowd at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium.
What unfolded next was a display of exceptional talent and determination from the American team, showcasing their potential as a formidable force in the tournament.
Both U.S. Men’s National Team Coach Mauricio Pochettino and player Weston McKennie expressed immense pride in representing their country on such a prestigious stage.
— Mikale Olson (@realmikolson) June 13, 2026
Then what they discovered – an emphatic winning force.
U.S. soccer had waited 32 years for this moment, a men’s World Cup back on home soil with a delicious opportunity to not only show progress on the field but to continue growing a sport that has yearned for a breakthrough chapter.
It came on Friday in a manner both ferocious and elegant, in a stunning first half against an opponent that doesn’t concede many goals.
The Americans were daring and dazzling, and by the time the halftime whistle sounded, they had composed a three-goal lead on the way to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay before 70,492 at SoFi Stadium.
Four goals. Three points. pic.twitter.com/YKeYinIqMP
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026
What was great was they were so proud to do it for America, as the U.S. Mens National Team Coach Mauricio Pochettino and player Weston McKennie explained.Â
“It was a great match,” said Pochettino, a former Argentine World Cup player who made his World Cup coaching debut. “It was amazing for our fans to see, to watch this type of game. I am so proud because we are winning a lot of fans and adding fans to the sport here in America.”
In the moments before kickoff, the Americans knew they were about to experience an environment like no other.
“Whenever we walked out and heard the national anthem, and seeing the crowd and people singing along, that is a moment I got goose bumps, and was something that just felt special,” McKennie said. It was “the accumulation of all the work that your team puts in and all the paths that the guys took to be here in this moment together. I think that was the turning point for us.”
The three-goal win was their largest in a World Cup game since the inaugural event.in 1930. So they knew they had delivered an incredible performance.Â
They received some extra support when the president called them before the game, as we reported.Â
Last night, we received a message of support from POTUS ahead of our World Cup journey. pic.twitter.com/MVPITGldtS
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) June 12, 2026