USMNT 4-1 – A sold-out SoFi Stadium turned the USMNT’s Group D opener into a full-on Los Angeles moment—while the team itself took control early, beating Paraguay 4-1 with goals by Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna.
When the United States Men’s National Soccer Team walked into a sold-out SoFi Stadium for its home World Cup opener, the night carried two kinds of pressure—one on the pitch, and another in the seats.
Friday night, the USMNT answered both. The Americans defeated Paraguay 4-1 in Group D. racing out of the gate to secure the match in the first half with a three-goal lead. Forward Folarin Balogun scored two historic goals, converting after an early Paraguay own goal opened the scoring. Gio Reyna added a fourth late in the second half to close out a performance that looked as dominant as the final score.
“It’s an amazing result,” U.S. captain Tim Ream said following the match. “It’s exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament.”
But nearly as striking as the scoreboard was what filled the stadium. The sellout crowd featured a conspicuous A-list contingent, giving the opener the atmosphere of a major Los Angeles event as much as a World Cup milestone.
The night began with a high-energy opening ceremony headlined by global pop star Katy Perry. She performed alongside an international lineup of artists including LISA, Anitta, Tyla, Rema, Future, Dan + Shay, and Purahéi Soul.
Among the Hollywood stars in attendance was Tom Cruise. The crowd also included soccer legend David Beckham. who had been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier in the day. Other high-profile figures from film. tech. and sports were present as well. including Leonardo DiCaprio. Bill Gates. and NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The evening’s guest list reflected the kind of crossover rarely seen at a match of this profile. stretching from entertainment to global athletics and business. It included film and TV names such as George Lucas. Halle Berry. Jamie Foxx. Owen Wilson. Vince Vaughn. Rob Lowe. and Guillermo. In music and pop culture circles, Yada Taylor, Shaboozey, and Becky G were listed among the spectators.
Sports representation went further with Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston, both New York Giants quarterbacks, along with Michael Rubin, Fanatics’ chief executive. The crowd also featured public figures including Victoria Beckham, Marissa Ayers (Dart’s girlfriend), and Paris Hilton.
For the USMNT, the focus now shifts quickly away from a packed stadium spotlight. The team will carry that momentum into its second group-stage match against Australia, scheduled for June 19 in Seattle.
USMNT Paraguay World Cup SoFi Stadium Tim Ream Folarin Balogun Gio Reyna Katy Perry celebrity attendance Group D
So was the game good or just a bunch of rich people watching? lol
Tom Cruise at a soccer game is random, not gonna lie. Also 4-1 is wild, like they really came out hot in the first half.
Wait I thought Katy Perry sang the whole time? Like did she score too or was that just the halftime thing. And Tim Ream being captain means he probably did all the defending right?
Bill Gates and Leonardo DiCaprio were there and we still beat Paraguay 4-1 so I guess money DOES help, right? Also why is it called a home opener if they’re playing Group D… I’m confused but congrats anyway. Next match vs Australia better be just as packed because SoFi looks insane on TV.