Yuma locals cheer on the USMNT in their opening FIFA World Cup match
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The United States opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 at Los Angeles Stadium and giving American fans in Yuma plenty to celebrate as the tournament returned to U.S. soil for the first time since 1994.
Led by stars such as Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie and captain Tim Ream, Team USA delivered a statement performance in front of a home crowd, earning three valuable points to begin group play.
Local supporters gathered at Burgers and Beer to watch the historic match and cheer on the national team as the World Cup kicked off across North America.
“This is exciting for not just Americans, but also Canadians and Mexicans,” said local fan Christian. “We get the World Cup in North America, so it’s exciting for all three countries. But today’s game is super exciting.”
Christian said the tournament provides an opportunity for people to come together regardless of their backgrounds or viewpoints.
“We’re not avid fans, but this is an opportunity for us as Americans just to celebrate this time,” he said. “And you know sort of set aside politics, set aside worries and just enjoy a game and share it with the world.”
The United States entered the tournament with high expectations under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager was hired in 2024 and has spent the past two years preparing a talented American squad that features several players competing at high levels overseas.
The strong start by the United States continued an encouraging opening for the World Cup’s North American host nations. Mexico began its tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, while Canada earned a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Many local fans believe the Americans have the talent to make a deep run in the tournament.
“They’re doing great,” said Danny. “I’m going for the USA of course. I mean we live in the USA. So they’re doing a good job and I think they can go all the way.”
Danny also highlighted the excitement surrounding the event and the strong soccer community in Yuma.
“But the World Cup you know, we don’t always have this every year,” he said. “So it’s a great event and you know we got a lot of soccer fans in Yuma.”
Soccer’s popularity in the United States has continued to grow over the past several decades, and many fans hope the World Cup will inspire the next generation of players. With the sport’s global showcase now taking place across North America, supporters believe its influence will continue to expand.
“That’s the irony in that, is that it’s the most popular sport in the world,” one fan said. “And soccer is now just become in the last decade or so really, more popular here in this country. With Major League Soccer program.”
The fan added that the visibility of the national team on the sport’s biggest stage could leave a lasting impact on young athletes.
“I think it’ll impress especially the young folks to see a really good national team.”
The 4-1 victory gives the United States important momentum as it continues its pursuit of a deep World Cup run. For fans in Yuma, the opening match provided an opportunity to be part of a historic moment as the world’s biggest sporting event returned to the United States for the first time in more than three decades.
