World Cup begins on U.S. soil with match between United States and Paraguay

The 2026 World Cup officially kicked off on U.S. soil Friday, following opening ceremonies in Mexico and Canada. The tournament began with a hip-hop infused show featuring artists Future and Lisa, setting the stage for the inaugural match between the host United States and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña were in attendance. The opening spectacle included a marching band, a giant replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, and performances paying homage to Los Angeles culture, with appearances by Korean artist Lisa and Brazilian singer Anitta. The visual concept celebrated iconic L.A. landmarks like the Route 66 and the Hollywood sign.

This edition marks a significant expansion, with the United States hosting the vast majority of the tournament's 104 matches across eleven cities. These venues span the East Coast (Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami), the central region (Kansas City, Dallas, Houston), and the West Coast (San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles). The grand final is slated for July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Beyond the sporting competition, the World Cup's commencement in the U.S. is occurring amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and Iran. The Iranian team's participation in particular is under unprecedented security and international scrutiny, adding a layer of complexity to the event, especially with their group stage matches scheduled for the West Coast.