Red, white and roaring: US fans erupt after USMNT's dream World Cup start

American pride was impossible to miss as nearly 70,492 soccer supporters from across the United States packed SoFi Stadium, eagerly waiting to witness the return of the world’s top soccer competition to American soil for the first time since 1994. Giant American flags waved above the crowd while fans painted their faces red, white and blue and wore everything from vintage jerseys to Uncle Sam-inspired outfits.

The hosts wasted no time making their mark. In the seventh minute, Christian Pulisic weaved between defenders and sent in a cross that deflected off Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla for an own goal and an early US lead.

Folarin Balogun, a constant menace throughout the match, electrified SoFi Stadium and pushed the atmosphere to a fever pitch as he scored twice after tormenting Paraguay's defense. In the final seconds of the first half, Balogun’s second goal gave the USA a decisive 3-0 lead, unleashing emotional scenes throughout the crowd.

Thousands of fans gathered in packed fan parks, public squares, bars and outdoor watch parties to witness the USMNT's World Cup opener. Many had waited years for this moment, with some spending hundreds of dollars on tickets to be part of the tournament on home soil. Others arrived hours before kickoff to secure a good spot in front of giant screens.

Paraguay briefly threatened a comeback when Maurício scored, calmly finishing a setup from Julio Enciso to cut the United States' lead to 3-1. However, US midfielder Gio Reyna secured the win with a beautiful strike in the final moments of the game. The three-goal margin was the United States' largest at a World Cup since two 3-0 victories in the inaugural tournament in 1930.

As the match ended, players raced across the field to celebrate a statement victory that put the United States atop Group D. Smiles, embraces and raised fists captured the significance of the moment as the squad soaked in the applause from supporters. In the stands and across fan zones nationwide, celebrations continued long after the final whistle.