IRVINE, Calif. — When asked to describe the importance of his team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay this Friday, U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner was unequivocal.“(The first game is) everything,” Turner told reporters.For the USMNT, across its recent World Cup history, that has certainly been the case.While a curtain-raising victory in Los Angeles to build momentum and ignite the country’s support would be the dream outcome, the most important target might be one that’s somewhat less lofty: just don’t lose.Since returning to the World Cup stage in 1990, every time the U.S. won or drew its opening game, it advanced from the group stage into the knockout rounds. Every time it lost the opener, it didn’t.This tournament will be different with the format having expanded to 48 teams, but there is still precedent. In terms of structure, the closest replicas to this year are the World Cups from 1986, 1990 and 1994. Those tournaments featured 24 teams that funneled into a 16-team knockout stage, half the size of this summer’s competition— which funnels 48 into 32.Matt Turner was the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)In those instances, the cumulative “first game” record of the 24 teams eliminated after group play was two wins, five losses and 17 defeats.“This game sets the tone for the tournament,” midfielder Cristian Roldan said. “A win against Paraguay would put us in a very good spot to advance from the group.”