The 2026 World Cup officially began with a ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, headlined by pop artist Katy Perry. The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) immediately followed the opening festivities with their first Group D match against Paraguay. This game marks a significant moment for American soccer as the nation co-hosts the expanded tournament. The event is occurring amidst challenges including issues with player visas and high ticket costs. The USMNT aims to make a strong statement on home turf despite competing with other major sporting events for public attention. Fans can follow live updates through dedicated coverage of the match and tournament.