Roaring crowds in stars and stripes show up for the US team, and soccer’s moment in their country

The U.S. men's soccer team's World Cup home opener in California drew over 70,000 fans who celebrated a 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The event highlighted soccer's growing popularity in the U.S., driven by family traditions, immigrant communities, and rising youth participation since the 1994 World Cup. Key moments included goals by Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic, and a late clinching goal by Gio Reyna.