USMNT walk – The USMNT opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign at Sofi Stadium with Chicago Bulls entrance music playing as the team took the field. On Friday against Paraguay, an own goal set the tone and the Americans surged to a 3-0 lead as the tournament gets fully und
The 2026 FIFA World Cup finally kicked off in North America on Friday, and the USMNT could feel the moment before a ball was even struck.
At Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, they took the field while the iconic Chicago Bulls entrance song—“Sirius”—played in the background. It was a choice made for a packed house, the kind of atmosphere that turns a match into an event.
It’s the first World Cup hosted in North America since 1994, when the United States staged the tournament. And this time, expectations have been anything but quiet. The USMNT enter the competition with the belief they can at least reach the Round of 16. while chasing something they have never managed to finish in their own image: their first World Cup title.
Their recent history has shaped the pressure. In each of the last three tournaments—2010, 2014, and 2022—the USMNT reached the Round of 16. But they never moved past it.
Against Paraguay, the Americans got a jolt early. Paraguay scored in their own goal, handing the USMNT a 1-0 lead right from the start.
As this story was published, the USMNT were up 3-0 over Paraguay, carrying that momentum deeper into the match while the crowd in Los Angeles continued to roar behind them.
Group D is also set for more than one high-stakes test. The USMNT’s other two opponents in the group are Australia and Türkiye. Their next match is on June 19 against Australia in Seattle. They will then face Türkiye on June 25 in Los Angeles to close out the group stage.
The tournament runs through July 19. and for the USMNT. it’s not just about the entrance music or the noise in the stands—it’s about what happens when the opening promise turns into points. With the lead over Paraguay growing to 3-0 as the game moved forward. that promise is already starting to look real.
USMNT Paraguay 2026 FIFA World Cup Sofi Stadium Chicago Bulls entrance song Sirius Group D Australia Türkiye Round of 16