The USMNT won its World Cup opener against Paraguay as pressure mounts on the team to deliver for all of the American soccer business apparatus.

The U.S. men’s national team begins its 2026 World Cup on Friday.

Fans put off by prices, some denied visas, and locals more fired up about basketball: the 2026 World Cup is kicking off without much enthusiasm in the United States.

The U.S. beat Paraguay 4–1 in a match that felt every bit like a home World Cup.