USMNT Opens 2026 World Cup Against Paraguay, Chasing First Title
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 9
USMNT Opens 2026 World Cup Against Paraguay, Chasing First Title
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 9
Summary
Friday’s opener in Los Angeles pits the U.S. men against Paraguay as the host nation starts its bid for a first World Cup title.
2026 carries extra weight for U.S. soccer because a strong home tournament could accelerate the sport’s growth, a theme Landon Donovan said current players understand.
Donovan pointed to his 122nd-minute winner against Algeria in 2010 as proof one World Cup moment can reshape the game’s popularity in the United States.
Clint Dempsey, now a Fox Sports analyst, has also been discussing the roster and how far Team USA can go this summer as attention builds before kickoff.