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USA start World Cup in style - but can they finally join the elite?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Sports

USA start World Cup in style - but can they finally join the elite?

From BBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The USA secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening World Cup match, showcasing a strong performance that dispelled doubts about their readiness.
  • The team's significant development under Mauricio Pochettino and the presence of players worldwide suggest they are nearing elite status in international football.
  • The win has ignited national enthusiasm for the World Cup, with expectations high for their upcoming group games.

The United States kicked off their World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, delivering a performance that silenced any lingering doubts about their ability to handle the pressure of co-hosting the 2026 tournament. The match, preceded by a star-studded event featuring Katy Perry and attended by celebrities like Tom Cruise, saw the US team step up magnificently.

Three goals in a blistering first half, followed by a sublime strike from Gio Reyna in stoppage time, secured a perfect start in Group D. This display of skill and composure has led many to believe the USA is on its way to joining football's elite. Former US goalkeeper Tony Meola noted the team's increased establishment, highlighting players competing globally, a strong domestic league, and world-class facilities.

"Now we are so much more established," Meola stated. "We have players playing all round the world, we have an incredible league and have facilities the world is using right now. Those were a pipe dream a few years ago now we are a football nation."

Now we are so much more established. We have players playing all round the world, we have an incredible league and have facilities the world is using right now. Those were a pipe dream a few years ago now we are a football nation.

— Tony MeolaFormer USA goalkeeper Tony Meola commented on the team's growth and current standing in international football.

This emphatic win marks the first time since 1930 that the USA has won a World Cup game by a three-goal margin. England great Ellen White praised the team's performance, saying, "USA were unbelievable. You talk about pressure but they grasped at it, they enjoyed it. They probably shocked the world with that performance."

Manager Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges that the tournament is far from over, but a start like this is crucial for building belief and momentum. Before the opener, indifference about the World Cup hosting was palpable in Los Angeles. However, the team's dominant performance has likely transformed that sentiment, fueling national passion ahead of their remaining group games against Turkey and Australia.

USA were unbelievable. You talk about pressure but they grasped at it, they enjoyed it. They probably shocked the world with that performance.

— Ellen WhiteEngland great Ellen White shared her assessment of the USA's performance on BBC Match of the Day.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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