USA stun Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener as celebrities pack out Los Angeles

The United States opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, drawing a celebrity-packed crowd and sparking fan-zone celebrations across the host cities.

David Beckham, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Katy Perry, James Corden and Paris Hilton were among the high-profile figures in attendance in LA as the host nation delivered a statement result on home soil.

Tens of thousands more gathered at fan zones across the country. In Kansas City, local music acts entertained up to 25,000 supporters, with the celebrations extending to Mexican fans who were also marking their own team’s opening-match victory.

Luis Pacheco, who works at the Slope Sports complex where England have set up their training base, captured the mood on the ground. “It is a great start, a great atmosphere,” he said. “It would be like this for Mexico games but obviously this is much bigger. As a fan it feels like the World Cup is in full swing now.”

His wife, Kansas-born Tara Tamburello, reflected on the long build-up to the tournament. “I would love Mexico or the USA to win. I really don’t think that is going to happen, do you? It feels like it has been such a long time coming and now it has finally arrived. I am very proud of Kansas and I know the people here want to be really good hosts.”

At Kansas City bar Dos Lokos, manager Raul Aguirie, 29, welcomed hundreds of fans for a night of music and dancing. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Aguirie has lived in the US since the age of three and is already looking ahead to a potential Mexico vs England fixture. “If we do play England then I’m sorry but we will have a big advantage at the Azteca,” he said. “Imagine what it will be like with all our fans behind the team. Even against England, I think we could do it.”

The sense of occasion was felt even among expat England supporters. Simon Ellis, 60, originally from Stockton-on-Tees and now living in Colorado, travelled to Kansas to visit his daughter and took in the USA fan fest. “Kansas is very proud to host the games and they are big on sports here,” he said. “They love England — I just spoke with a fan who said they were his second team.”