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US Opens World Cup vs Paraguay at SoFi, Star-Studded Ceremony

6/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. men's national soccer team opened Group D of 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
The opening ceremony featured Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla, with tickets topping $1,000 and FIFA resale seats beginning at $700.
Paraguay, ranked 40th and back since 2010, played without forward Julio Enciso because of a muscle injury while Fox aired the match in English.

History

Historical Context

The United States secured the 1994 FIFA World Cup on July 4, 1988, becoming the first Anglophone host outside Latin America; the tournament ran June 17–July 17, 1994 and drew a record 3,587,538 spectators. That commercial success, built on existing stadiums and the launch of Major League Soccer in 1993, now shapes the 2026 opening at SoFi Stadium, echoing the Rose Bowl kickoff.

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Story summary

The U.S. men's national soccer team opened Group D of 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
The opening ceremony featured Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla, with tickets topping $1,000 and FIFA resale seats beginning at $700.
Paraguay, ranked 40th and back since 2010, played without forward Julio Enciso because of a muscle injury while Fox aired the match in English.

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