If there were any doubts about whether the United States were ready to embrace the pressure of co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they were emphatically erased in a stunning 45-minute display against Paraguay.
Amid a glamorous pre-match spectacle featuring global music stars, celebrity guests and a sea of red, white and blue inside a packed Los Angeles Stadium, the hosts could easily have been overwhelmed by expectation. Instead, they rose magnificently to the occasion.
Three goals in a devastating first-half performance, followed by a superb stoppage-time strike from Gio Reyna, powered Mauricio Pochettino’s side to a commanding 4-1 victory and an ideal start to their Group D campaign.
The performance further underlined the remarkable progress the USA have made under Pochettino since his appointment in September 2024.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager has spent the past 20 months reshaping the team’s identity, transforming a side that traditionally struggled to move beyond the knockout stages into one capable of competing with the world’s best.
Former USA goalkeeper Tony Meola, who represented his country at three World Cups, believes American football has entered a new era.
“We are much more established now,” Meola said.
“Our players compete across the world, our domestic league continues to grow, and the infrastructure available to the game is among the best anywhere. What once seemed impossible is now reality the United States is a genuine football nation.”
The victory was historic. It marked the first time since 1930 that the USA had won a World Cup match by a three-goal margin, sending a clear warning to the rest of the tournament.
Former England international Ellen White was among those impressed by the display.
“The USA were outstanding,” she said.
“There was huge pressure on them, but they embraced it and enjoyed every moment. They may have surprised a lot of people around the world.”
Beyond the result itself, the win could have a significant impact on public enthusiasm across the country.
Prior to the tournament, many observers felt the build-up lacked the excitement usually associated with a World Cup host nation.
That mood changed dramatically on matchday, as American shirts filled public transport systems, bars and city streets.
Victory has only intensified the growing belief that this team could achieve something special on home soil.
The statistics highlighted the hosts’ dominance.
They controlled 71 per cent of possession in the opening half and overwhelmed Paraguay with relentless pressing, movement and attacking intent.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy praised the performance, describing the Americans as “fit, sharp, hungry and extremely dangerous.”
Pochettino’s influence was evident throughout. His side pressed aggressively, attacked with confidence and displayed a tactical maturity rarely associated with previous USA teams.
The Argentine has also benefited from a talented squad.
Seventeen of the 26 players selected for the tournament currently play in Europe’s top five leagues, including seven in the English Premier League.
Perhaps most importantly, he has changed the mentality within the camp.
Earlier this year, Pochettino challenged his players to abandon any underdog mentality and believe they could compete with the very best.
“Why not us?” he said. “We need to believe that we belong at that level. We need to dream.”
Of course, sterner tests await. Paraguay are not among the tournament favourites, and the USA will need to defeat stronger opposition if they are to challenge for the trophy.
Yet the manner of this victory has undoubtedly strengthened belief among supporters that a deep run is possible perhaps even matching or surpassing the quarter-final appearance achieved in 2002.
One concern remains the fitness and importance of key attacking stars Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
Both were instrumental during the first half, with Balogun scoring twice and Pulisic providing an assist.
However, Pulisic was substituted at half-time after experiencing discomfort in his calf, while Balogun was withdrawn later in the match.
Although the USA continued to dominate possession, they lacked the same cutting edge without their two attacking leaders.
Pochettino later reassured supporters that Pulisic’s issue was precautionary and expressed hope that he would be available for the next match.
As for suggestions that the USA could emerge as the surprise package of the tournament, the coach remains cautious.
“In football, one good result does not guarantee success,” he said.
“If we reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals, then perhaps people can talk about us being one of the tournament’s surprises. For now, we have simply made a good start.”
It was indeed only one match, but it was a statement.
The USA have begun their World Cup journey in style and for the first time in a long time, they look capable of challenging football’s elite.
