Inglewood, Calif. — The United States men’s national soccer team opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 13 at SoFi Stadium, a performance that has sparked renewed enthusiasm and raised expectations for the sport in the country. Hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, this tournament marks a significant moment for American soccer, with hopes that it will deepen the sport’s foothold among U.S. fans.

Midfielder Weston McKennie, who grew up in Texas where American football predominates, highlighted the potential impact of the World Cup being held on home soil. “Because it’s a World Cup and it’s in America, people came out,” McKennie said. “There’s a lot of people here that maybe have never come out to support us. But hopefully, with this performance, they can see and connect with us.” He added that the exciting 4-1 scoreline, with five goals in total during the match, could challenge the stereotype of soccer as “boring” or low-scoring in the U.S.

The electric atmosphere inside SoFi Stadium reflected growing interest in soccer, countering pre-tournament concerns over ticket prices and potential protests. The crowd was not only sold out but featured notable celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, and Sofia Vergara. The game drew record viewership, with approximately 25 million tuning in across various platforms, including nearly 16 million on Fox Sports and close to 9 million on Telemundo. It also became the most-streamed English-language U.S. men’s match, drawing over a million average viewers online.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the American fans’ passion, describing it as “massive” and a sign that soccer’s profile in the United States is growing. “Now they realize that soccer here in America is massive, is big. Be careful, the other sports,” he stated after the match.

On the field, the U.S. team delivered its highest-ever goal tally in a World Cup game. Forward Folarin Balogun, born in Brooklyn, scored twice, becoming the first American player to record a multi-goal game in the tournament since 1930. Midfield contributions from McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Malik Tillman helped dominate play, while Christian Pulisic was widely regarded as the standout player.

Fullback Sergiño Dest emphasized the importance of the atmosphere and support from fans as the team looks ahead. “We appreciate the support, because we need that. We need the country behind us,” he said, reflecting broader public enthusiasm.

Tony Meola, captain of the 1994 U.S. World Cup team credited with introducing many Americans to the sport, suggested this current generation could inspire a deeper connection. “This is a life-changing tournament when you play at home,” he said. “Someone’s going to say, ‘Hey, you changed my life. I got turned on to the game.’ And that’s going to start now for this group.”

While the U.S. team’s opening victory has generated excitement, it remains to be seen whether this World Cup will create lasting momentum for soccer’s growth in a country where other sports have long dominated. Nevertheless, the combination of strong play, fan engagement, and widespread media attention marks an important chapter in the sport’s evolving American story.