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USA play first World Cup finals game on home soil since 1994
The United States will launch their FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday with a crucial clash against a well-organized Paraguay side in Los Angeles.
The tournament co-hosts are aware of the importance of avoiding an upset as they take to the field at the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium for the first World Cup finals match played on American soil in over three decades.
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that merely advancing from Group D will not satisfy his ambitions.
“For me, success means winning,” the former Tottenham manager said on Thursday. “It means winning tomorrow and continuing to win. If we fail to reach the final and lift the trophy, then it is difficult to describe the campaign as successful.”
The American squad, spearheaded by Christian Pulisic, will be eager to prove its quality against elite international opposition while coping with the expectations of home supporters.
Pulisic expressed confidence in the team’s ability, insisting they can compete with any nation in the tournament.
“We believe we can challenge anyone,” he told AFP. “Our goal is to establish ourselves as a serious contender. We have three important group matches to demonstrate what this team is capable of.”
Pochettino, who hails from Argentina, has emphasized the need for his players to match the experience and resilience traditionally associated with South American teams.
“We understand that we must be prepared for a fight,” Pulisic said. “It’s not only about attractive football; it’s also about showing determination and character.”
US Secretary of State Mario Rubio is expected to attend the opening fixture, while President Donald Trump has indicated he plans to attend matches later in the competition, though he has not specified which ones.
Before kickoff in Los Angeles, fans will be treated to a star-studded opening ceremony featuring pop icon Katy Perry alongside several renowned music performers.
Elsewhere on Friday, fellow co-hosts Canada will seek the first World Cup victory in their history when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto.
Canada will be without influential star Alphonso Davies, who continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Tournament Begins with Excitement
The World Cup officially got underway in Mexico City on Thursday with a spectacular opening ceremony that saw global music stars Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy entertain a crowd of more than 80,000 spectators at the Estadio Azteca.
Mexico opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a match that produced three red cards.
Julian Quinones scored the tournament’s first goal after just nine minutes, while veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second for the hosts. The Estadio Azteca also made history as the first venue to host matches at three different World Cups.
While celebrations filled the stadium, tensions erupted outside as protesters clashed with security forces.
Teachers, student activists, and families of missing persons gathered near the venue, with some demonstrators breaching security barriers and confronting police shortly after Mexico’s opening goal.
Mexico’s win marked the start of the expanded 48-team tournament, which will conclude with the final in New Jersey on July 19.
South Korea also began their campaign positively, defeating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the day’s second match.
The Koreans appeared destined to regret several missed opportunities, but substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu struck the decisive goal in the closing stages to secure victory in Guadalajara.
The commencement of on-field action provided welcome relief for football’s governing body, FIFA, which has recently faced criticism over the high cost of tournament tickets.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s immigration policies have reportedly led to entry difficulties for an Iranian referee, members of Iran’s delegation, and several supporters.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described Iran’s participation in the tournament amid ongoing tensions with the United States as a significant achievement, suggesting few organizations could have managed such a situation.
After spending four days at their training base in Mexico, Iran’s squad finally opened a session to the media on Thursday.
They will begin their World Cup journey against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday.