United States hit four past Paraguay on their debut

The United States made no mistake on their debut as co-hosts. The Stars and Stripes posted an emphatic 4-1 over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, one of the most resounding routs of the opening matchday. The modern Los Angeles-area arena, with a capacity of around 70,500 and one of the most advanced roofed stadiums in the world, provided the perfect setting for a sporting party.

The home side came out determined to stamp their authority from the off and dominated the contest from start to finish. American superiority translated into a wide scoreline that gave Paraguay little room to do more than tidy things up with a consolation goal. The four goals also bolster their goal difference, a factor that can prove decisive in this format.

With this win, the United States went top of Group D from the very start, sending a warning to their rivals in a longer and more demanding group stage shaped by the new 48-team format. The group is completed by Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, a section that looks competitive in the race for the Round of 32 places.

American fans responded with a committed atmosphere in a stadium that enjoyed a flawless night. SoFi, opened in 2020, is one of the most emblematic venues in the tournament's bet on cutting-edge arenas spread across the continent.

With the United States, Mexico and Canada hosting, the World Cup spreads its 16 venues across a vast geography stretching from Vancouver to Miami and from Mexico City to New York. The American team, who will play much of their schedule on home soil, start with the advantage of home support and stands dreaming of a deep run.

The debut, then, could hardly have been more encouraging. The United States bank their first three points and the confidence of a group eager to make the most of host status to go as far as possible at a historic edition.