arts
US ready for co-hosts’ final World Cup opener against Paraguay before a raucous SoCal crowd
By Kevin Boulandier at WSVN 7 News
· June 13, 2026
· 2 min read
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. is ready to face Paraguay on Friday night to open its first home World Cup in 32 years. A jubilant Southern California crowd arrived early to cheer on an American team with high hopes heading into the final home opener for this tournament’s three co-hosting nations.
Key takeaway is ready to face Paraguay on Friday night to open its first home World Cup in 32 years.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami's own strong soccer culture, influenced by its Latin American and Caribbean communities, will be watching the US team's performance with great interest. As the US faces Paraguay in California, Miamians will be paying attention to how the team's diverse player base, including midfielder Christian Pulisic, will fare against international competition. The city's own experience with hosting large sporting events, including those at the Hard Rock Stadium, will also inform local perspectives on the World Cup's impact on Southern California. Meanwhile, local soccer enthusiasts in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood will be gathering to cheer on the US team, reflecting the sport's growing popularity in Miami and across the country since the US last hosted the men's World Cup in 1994.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. is ready to face Paraguay on Friday night to open its first home World Cup in 32 years. A jubilant Southern California crowd arrived early to cheer on an American team with high hopes heading into the final home opener for this tournament’s three co-hosting nations.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 13, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kevin Boulandier at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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