Los Angeles erupts in excitement after US team beats Paraguay at World Cup
June 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera
US Team Beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup Opener
A crowd of tens of thousands gathered at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to watch the United States’ World Cup opener against Paraguay. The US team emerged victorious, winning 4-1.
Fans from across the country, including those who traveled from as far away as San Jose and Virginia, attended the match dressed in a variety of outfits representing the US flag. Some wore elaborate costumes, while others showed their patriotism through smaller accessories such as hats and scarves.
The stadium was initially quiet before the game began, but it quickly filled with energy once the players took to the field. The crowd erupted into cheers when the US scored its first goal, courtesy of a Paraguayan own goal in the seventh minute.
Celebrities such as Tom Cruise and David Beckham were also in attendance, drawing applause from the crowd. However, there was no appearance by President Donald Trump, which some fans had been speculating about beforehand.
The match saw a strong performance from US player Christian Pulisic, who electrified the crowd with his runs on the field. The stadium’s atmosphere was electric, with chants of “USA, USA” growing louder as the game progressed.
Security measures were in place throughout the event, with multiple law enforcement agencies present to ensure safety and orderliness. Despite some initial concerns about logistics, the event went largely smoothly, with staff and volunteers working together to manage the crowds.
The US team’s victory marked a historic day for American football fans, who were thrilled to see their team compete on home soil. The match was part of the World Cup, which is being held in the United States for the first time in decades.
Source: Al Jazeera