WORLD NEWS: 2026 World Cup: the United States crushes Paraguay for their entry into the running
International Report:
Governments, analysts, and media outlets are continuing to follow this situation closely as additional details become available.
The United States, which is hosting the World Cup for the second time after 1994, launched its tournament perfectly, with a clear 4-1 success against Paraguay, which bore the mark of Folarin Balogun, author of a double, Friday June 12 in Los Angeles. In search of enthusiasm in a gigantic country where “soccer” remains a secondary sport, Team USA has done its share of the work to try to trigger a popular momentum that is barely visible in the country. Thirty-two years after 1994, the World Cup, this time co-organized with Mexico and Canada, doubled in size to bring together 48 participants, and American football emerged from amateurism, greeted former captain Tony Meola before the match. “I never would have imagined that,” he said about the professionalization of the MLS championship and the magnificent stage prepared on Friday in the ultra-modern Los Angeles stadium and its more than 70,000 seats, to begin a home tournament “which can change a life”. The usual haunt of the Rams and Chargers of the NFL and its transparent roof brought back nostalgia the old charm of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (north-east), lair of the 1994 final, about thirty kilometers and a good hour of traffic jams away, on a good day. Donald Trump did not make the trip. The meeting was preceded by a sober opening ceremony, in two parts. Rapper Future performed in front of a giant inflatable replica of the famous trophy, preceding a parade of flags and the voice of popstar Katy Perry, on her song “Wonder”, under the eyes of some Hollywood stars like Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Lucas. FindF24 FR – 2026 World Cup Calendar A key figure in a World Cup so far cluttered by extra-sporting matters, Donald Trump did not make the trip for the opening match of the main host country in LA, where he was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The president may regret having missed the demonstration of the locals, like the captain Christian Pulisic, untenable on the left before leaving at the break. The AC Milan attacking midfielder dribbled past two defenders to enter the area and slip the ball to Weston McKennie, whose low cross was clumsily cut into his goal by Damian Bobadilla (7th). Nice atmosphere Another lively striker, Folarin Balogun multiplied the good actions, scoring a goal canceled for offside (28th) before scoring a double. The Monaco striker first ensured a flat right foot in the heart of the area, served by Pulisic (31st), before lighting the top corner with his left foot after two inspired dribbles (45+5). Paraguay, harmless until then, reduced the score by Mauricio, sent into the area by Julio Enciso (73rd). Finally, Giovanni Reyna closed the scoring with a subtle outside foot (90+8). Before facing Australia then Turkey, here is the United States perfectly launched in their group D, they who have never gone beyond the quarter-finals in the modern era (in 2002, eliminated by Germany) and remain in a round of 16 in Qatar in 2022. Dressed in “stars and stripes” jerseys and flags, the American supporters offered a great atmosphere to their players, accustomed to more modest encouragement. Isaac Pizarro, a 42-year-old Floridian born in Puerto Rico, who came with his son Jacob, said he was “super enthusiastic”, and believes his team “can go all the way” in the tournament. This sales manager paid $1,900 per place (1,640 euros). “It’s expensive but that’s how it is, I’m lucky to have the means.” With AFP
Why This Matters:
Analysts believe this development may influence future diplomatic, political, or economic discussions internationally.
International media coverage is expected to intensify as more updates become available from official sources.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing international story.
Source: This article was originally published by France 24 – Infos, news & actualités – L'information internationale en direct and adapted for our international English-speaking audience.
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