The US national team has kicked off their World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory against Paraguay, marking a triumphant start to the tournament.
Following their impressive performance in Los Angeles, domestic media outlets are drawing parallels between the US team and record World Cup champions Brazil. Here’s a look at the reactions to the USA’s commanding win.
US Press Reactions:
New York Times: The United States made a dazzling, near-flawless start to the 2026 World Cup, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles. After eight long years of anticipation and under immense pressure, star forward Christian Pulisic lived up to the moment, setting up two early goals that sent the ecstatic 70,492 spectators into a frenzy.
Los Angeles Times: This was a game that eight years of work had been building towards. The first World Cup match on American soil in over a generation, and the beginning of a tournament that has the potential to shape the future of soccer in this country for the next generation. And the USA seized that opportunity fully on Friday.
CNN: It’s a party in the USA: The Americans dominated Paraguay in their World Cup opener.
ESPN: The American national team had been waiting for the start of this World Cup, which felt like an eternity. When the moment finally arrived, the big question was: Would they live up to expectations and give US fans a reason to celebrate? They did just that, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay in a World Cup opener that delivered on nearly all fronts for the tournament’s co-hosts.
New York Post: Who said America isn’t a soccer country? Because on this star-studded, sold-out evening in front of a celebrity-filled crowd in Los Angeles, the American national team played the kind of soccer most closely associated with Brazil. The 4-1 rout of Paraguay and the beautiful, fluid, relentless soccer they played will inspire kids across the country to kick a ball and emulate them.
USA Today: This is how you throw a party. The American national team kicked off the World Cup with a thrilling performance that will energize fans across the country and help wash away some of the tarnished reputation that has shadowed the tournament so far.
International Press Reactions:
ABC Color (Paraguay): The ‘Albirroja’ showed no reaction and left a worrying impression in their first appearance in 16 years.
The Sun (England): Go with the Flo: Folarin Balogun’s brace helps the unleashed World Cup hosts to victory in Los Angeles.
The Guardian (England): Across from the Los Angeles Stadium, on the other side of the parking lot, is The Forum. In the 1980s, it was the stage for one of American sports’ most mesmerizing teams, the Los Angeles Lakers. In their 2026 World Cup opener before 70,492 spectators, the American national team embraced the Lakers’ ‘Showtime’ spirit.