The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway in the United States, with Los Angeles hosting the third opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium on Friday, featuring pop star Katy Perry. The US Men's National Team begins its tournament campaign in Group D against Paraguay—a significant moment for American soccer as the nation serves as host. According to France 24, the tournament's launch is also contending with practical obstacles. Visa processing delays have affected some fans and international players, while ticket prices have drawn criticism for being prohibitively expensive. The sport also faces fierce competition for American attention amid the NBA and NFL schedules. For the USMNT, playing in front of a home crowd in Los Angeles offers both considerable advantage and magnified pressure to prove soccer's rising place in the American sporting landscape.

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