According to France 24, the 2026 World Cup kicked off in Los Angeles with its third opening ceremony as the US national team faced Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, with pop star Katy Perry headlining the festivities. But beneath the spectacle lay practical complications: visa delays for international fans, steep ticket prices, and competition from other major American sports for cultural attention. For the USMNT, this tournament represents a pivotal moment to elevate soccer's standing at home. Paraguay proved competitive early, scoring to narrow the gap. The stakes are as much about soccer's future in America as the match itself.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton