The Europeans and others have been discovering what a wonderful place America is as they visit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And, like proud hosts, we've been enjoying seeing them discover, finding out all the exciting sights, sounds, and tastes of America.
But we would probably be remiss if we didn't also note the great performance of the American men's team in their first World Cup game, and the discovery our players seem to have made on our own soil.
First, American country music duo, Dan and Shay played a version of the national anthem that was rocking everyone inside L.A.'s SoFi Stadium.
New level of American patriotism has just been unlocked #worldcup #usa #fifa pic.twitter.com/ahIQQMaNX4
— Mikale Olson (@realmikolson) June 13, 2026
Then what they discovered - an emphatic winning force.
U.S. soccer had waited 32 years for this moment, a men's World Cup back on home soil with a delicious opportunity to not only show progress on the field but to continue growing a sport that has yearned for a breakthrough chapter.
It came on Friday in a manner both ferocious and elegant, in a stunning first half against an opponent that doesn't concede many goals.
The Americans were daring and dazzling, and by the time the halftime whistle sounded, they had composed a three-goal lead on the way to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay before 70,492 at SoFi Stadium.
Four goals. Three points. pic.twitter.com/YKeYinIqMP
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026
What was great was they were so proud to do it for America, as the U.S. Mens National Team Coach Mauricio Pochettino and player Weston McKennie explained.
"It was a great match," said Pochettino, a former Argentine World Cup player who made his World Cup coaching debut. "It was amazing for our fans to see, to watch this type of game. I am so proud because we are winning a lot of fans and adding fans to the sport here in America."
In the moments before kickoff, the Americans knew they were about to experience an environment like no other.
"Whenever we walked out and heard the national anthem, and seeing the crowd and people singing along, that is a moment I got goose bumps, and was something that just felt special," McKennie said. It was "the accumulation of all the work that your team puts in and all the paths that the guys took to be here in this moment together. I think that was the turning point for us."
The three-goal win was their largest in a World Cup game since the inaugural event.in 1930. So they knew they had delivered an incredible performance.
They received some extra support when the president called them before the game, as we reported.
Last night, we received a message of support from POTUS ahead of our World Cup journey. pic.twitter.com/MVPITGldtS
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 12, 2026
READ MORE: Hot Takes: Republicans Root on the US Men's National Soccer Team Ahead of World Cup Start
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in attendance at the game.
An incredible and historic night for @USMNT!
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) June 13, 2026
I was honored to join over 70,000 fans for the first game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted in the United States. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/hnttp7xuez
Rubio also met the president of Paraguay while he was there.
🚨 PRESIDENT TRUMP JUST NOW: "Congratulations to Team USA on their Big Win, 4-1, over a very good Paraguay team. Keep it going! President DJT"
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 13, 2026
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jvu1h1PqbX
Notice that another president, President Donald J. Trump, passed along his congrats to the men's team in a Truth Social post:
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 13, 2026
Editor's Note: Do you enjoy RedState's conservative reporting that takes on the radical left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.
Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member