Blab Sports
United States Opens 2026 World Cup with 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium
On Friday, June 16, 2026, the United States kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a decisive 4‑1 win over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The match marked the first of 48 teams to take the field in the expanded tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Verizon, the World Cup’s official telecommunications partner, had been distributing tickets through its My Verizon app in the months leading up to the event. Thousands of fans received admission, and a select group earned a “Golden Ticket” that granted pitch‑side access. One Verizon guest recounted that the stadium’s security process included an additional screening layer not used during regular Rams or Chargers games, but the line moved quickly and the overall entry experience remained smooth.
Getting to the venue was straightforward thanks to public transit. The fan rode the Culver City Line S9 bus—a route previously employed for Rams games—and reached SoFi in about 45 minutes, even with the large international crowd that gathered in Inglewood. Digital signs on freeways around Los Angeles warned residents against driving on match day and encouraged the use of public transportation.
Inside SoFi Stadium, which opened in September 2020 and can seat 70,240 people—or expand to over 100,000—fans assembled in fan zones set up in parking lots on the north side. Supporters posed for photos, explored sponsor activations, and watched large screens as anticipation built. In the suite level behind the section, Verizon ambassador David Beckham posed for photographs and signed autographs, while actor Tom Cruise drew attention from nearby fans.
The pre‑game ceremony began with the U.S. national anthem, followed by a fly‑over by U.S. Army Apache helicopters. The partially covered roof of SoFi Stadium created a unique visual effect, with only the silhouettes of the helicopters visible overhead.
From the opening whistle, the United States dominated the match. Christian Pulisic, the U.S. winger, created the first goal in the seventh minute after dribbling past two defenders and pulling the ball back across the box. Weston McKennie redirected the pass into the net, and Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla inadvertently turned the ball into his own goal.
Pulisic’s work on the left flank produced the second goal when he cut the ball back for Folarin Balogun, who finished into the corner. Malik Tillman later played Balogun through on goal, and the striker cut inside before driving a shot into the top corner, giving the United States a 3‑0 advantage at halftime.
The second half saw a slower pace but the crowd remained engaged. Paraguay pulled a goal back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but the United States sealed the win with a stoppage‑time goal from Gio Reyna, completing a 4‑1 victory.
The match was the United States’ most dominant opening performance in a World Cup since 1994, when the country hosted the tournament. The win also marked the first time a host nation has opened the competition with a four‑goal margin.
SoFi Stadium’s role as a World Cup venue is part of a broader schedule that will see the stadium host eight matches during the tournament, including the opening ceremony and swimming events for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Verizon’s partnership with FIFA extends beyond ticket distribution. As the World Cup’s official telecommunications partner, the company has provided fans with access to matches throughout the tournament, including pitch‑side experiences for “Golden Ticket” holders.
The United States’ 4‑1 victory over Paraguay sets a positive tone for the team’s campaign. The win places the U.S. in a favorable position in Group A, and the team will face the next group opponent on Saturday, June 17. The match also underscores the effectiveness of the expanded 48‑team format, which allows more nations to compete on the world stage.
After the final whistle, fans lingered in the concourses and surrounding walkways, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere before making their way home. The optimism surrounding the United States’ World Cup campaign was evident throughout the crowd as supporters filtered out of the stadium.
The opening match in Los Angeles demonstrated how the World Cup can be experienced in one of the world’s biggest sports cities, combining high‑profile fan experiences, advanced stadium infrastructure, and a strong partnership with a leading telecommunications provider.
The United States will next face their group opponent on June 17, with the outcome of that match determining the team’s path in the group stage and potential progression to the knockout rounds. The tournament will continue to unfold over the next six weeks, with 48 teams competing for the world title.
Verizon, the World Cup’s official telecommunications partner, had been distributing tickets through its My Verizon app in the months leading up to the event. Thousands of fans received admission, and a select group earned a “Golden Ticket” that granted pitch‑side access. One Verizon guest recounted that the stadium’s security process included an additional screening layer not used during regular Rams or Chargers games, but the line moved quickly and the overall entry experience remained smooth.
Getting to the venue was straightforward thanks to public transit. The fan rode the Culver City Line S9 bus—a route previously employed for Rams games—and reached SoFi in about 45 minutes, even with the large international crowd that gathered in Inglewood. Digital signs on freeways around Los Angeles warned residents against driving on match day and encouraged the use of public transportation.
Inside SoFi Stadium, which opened in September 2020 and can seat 70,240 people—or expand to over 100,000—fans assembled in fan zones set up in parking lots on the north side. Supporters posed for photos, explored sponsor activations, and watched large screens as anticipation built. In the suite level behind the section, Verizon ambassador David Beckham posed for photographs and signed autographs, while actor Tom Cruise drew attention from nearby fans.
The pre‑game ceremony began with the U.S. national anthem, followed by a fly‑over by U.S. Army Apache helicopters. The partially covered roof of SoFi Stadium created a unique visual effect, with only the silhouettes of the helicopters visible overhead.
From the opening whistle, the United States dominated the match. Christian Pulisic, the U.S. winger, created the first goal in the seventh minute after dribbling past two defenders and pulling the ball back across the box. Weston McKennie redirected the pass into the net, and Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla inadvertently turned the ball into his own goal.
Pulisic’s work on the left flank produced the second goal when he cut the ball back for Folarin Balogun, who finished into the corner. Malik Tillman later played Balogun through on goal, and the striker cut inside before driving a shot into the top corner, giving the United States a 3‑0 advantage at halftime.
The second half saw a slower pace but the crowd remained engaged. Paraguay pulled a goal back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but the United States sealed the win with a stoppage‑time goal from Gio Reyna, completing a 4‑1 victory.
The match was the United States’ most dominant opening performance in a World Cup since 1994, when the country hosted the tournament. The win also marked the first time a host nation has opened the competition with a four‑goal margin.
SoFi Stadium’s role as a World Cup venue is part of a broader schedule that will see the stadium host eight matches during the tournament, including the opening ceremony and swimming events for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Verizon’s partnership with FIFA extends beyond ticket distribution. As the World Cup’s official telecommunications partner, the company has provided fans with access to matches throughout the tournament, including pitch‑side experiences for “Golden Ticket” holders.
The United States’ 4‑1 victory over Paraguay sets a positive tone for the team’s campaign. The win places the U.S. in a favorable position in Group A, and the team will face the next group opponent on Saturday, June 17. The match also underscores the effectiveness of the expanded 48‑team format, which allows more nations to compete on the world stage.
After the final whistle, fans lingered in the concourses and surrounding walkways, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere before making their way home. The optimism surrounding the United States’ World Cup campaign was evident throughout the crowd as supporters filtered out of the stadium.
The opening match in Los Angeles demonstrated how the World Cup can be experienced in one of the world’s biggest sports cities, combining high‑profile fan experiences, advanced stadium infrastructure, and a strong partnership with a leading telecommunications provider.
The United States will next face their group opponent on June 17, with the outcome of that match determining the team’s path in the group stage and potential progression to the knockout rounds. The tournament will continue to unfold over the next six weeks, with 48 teams competing for the world title.
