The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway on American soil. Friday night in Los Angeles, the US men's national team faced Paraguay in their Group D opener, with pop star Katy Perry headlining the opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium. The match got off to a dramatic start: an own goal gave the hosts an early lead. But the tournament has arrived amid real pressures—soaring ticket prices, visa delays for international fans, and competition for attention in America's crowded sports and entertainment landscape. According to France 24, this opener represents a pivotal test for American soccer to capture the nation's imagination on home soil.

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