See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy OLIVER SALT, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Updated: 02:09 BST, 13 June 2026
Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as co-hosts USA begin their World Cup campaign against Paraguay.'No shortage of excitement'Ian Ladyman in Jersey CityWatching in a huge beer hall across the water from Manhattan in Jersey City. There is no shortage of excitement in this place. Meanwhile am I the only one thinking Mauricio Pochettino is looking a little like a young Russell Crowe?Does he have enough Gladiators out there tonight? We will seeEarly chancesIt's been a lively start, with half-chances for both teams inside the opening three minutes.Folarin Balogun, USA's focal point in attack, just came close when the hosts went on the offensive for the first time in the match.Let's go!The referee has blown his whistle, and USA's World Cup campaign is officially up and running!This should be a cracker.National anthems done!American soccer fans have just been left misty-eyed after country stars Dan + Shay treated SoFi Stadium to a rousing rendition of the national anthem.It's almost time for kickoff!California gurlAfter the parade of nations, with flags from all 48 competing countries positioned around the center circle, Katy Perry finally emerged for her eagerly-awaited performance.The iconic singer belted out her 2024 hit 'Wonder' alongside 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka in a heartfelt moment.Unfortunately, though, there was no 'I Kissed A Girl', 'Firework', 'California Gurls' or any of the classic Katy Perry belters. Disappointing.Superstar duoThere aren't many bigger names in the house than these two.David Beckham and Tom Cruise are signing some autographs at Los Angeles Stadium ahead of kickoff - and now it's finally time for Katy Perry!'Bubbling nicely'Just under 20 minutes to kick off here and the atmosphere inside SoFi Stadium is bubbling nicely. There are thousands of Paraguay fans who are making most of the noise before Katy Perry takes to the stage.Bad bloodIt's fair to say USA and Paraguay have some history...These were the chaotic scenes the last time the two countries met in November of last year. We could be in for a spicy one tonight!Final preparationsBoth teams are out on the field for their prematch warmups.There's just over 30 minutes to go until we get underway here in LA, with the atmosphere building very nicely indeed.We're still yet to enjoy some Katie Perry, though. It seems like she'll be getting her own separate time slot once the warmups are done.Worth every penny?It's no secret that ticket prices for this summer's World Cup are extortionate.So how much did USA fans fork out to be there tonight?The stars are out in HollywoodThere certainly won't be any shortage of A-list names in Los Angeles tonight.From Tobey Maguire to Paris Hilton, the celebs are already rolling in ahead of kickoff.The likes of Sofia Vergara, Owen Wilson, Rob Lowe and Becky G were amongst the high-profile figures seen arriving on the red carpet.New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and his girlfriend, influencer Marissa Ayers, are also in attendance.Breaking:TEAM NEWS INHere are the starting XIs and substitutes for both teams...
