The World Cup Hits the Most Expensive Stadium Ever Built
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally arrived in the United States. After two opening matches in Mexico and one in Canada, the Americans played their first group game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California — the most expensive stadium ever constructed, costing $5.5 billion to build.
The 70,000-seat arena, home to both the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers for American football, was transformed into a soccer stage for the world’s biggest tournament.
Hollywood-Style Opening Ceremony with Rap, R&B, and Celebrities
The Americans hosted a two-part opening ceremony before kickoff. First, rappers and R&B artists performed. Then, world-famous celebrities took the stage.
Actor Jason Sudeikis (star of Ted Lasso) announced it was time to display the flags of all World Cup nations. Afterward, singer Katy Perry performed.
The camera crew constantly scanned the VIP section during the match, spotlighting celebrities like:
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Tom Cruise singing the anthem
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Bill Gates in the crowd
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Katy Perry after her performance
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Leonardo DiCaprio hiding behind his cap
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Paris Hilton turning her back to the field
Paraguay Start Strong, But USA Dominate After the First 10 Minutes
Paraguay didn’t show fear despite the roar of 70,000 fans. Diego Gómez shot from a sharp angle on the first minute but missed the target. But after that, only one team controlled the game.
Inspired by the crowd, the United States completely overwhelmed their opponent.
First Goal: A Defensive Mistake by Paraguay
The first USA goal came from a Paraguayan defensive error. Damian Bobadilla awkwardly redirected the ball into his own net and immediately grabbed his head.
Seconds earlier, Christian Pulisich had made a stunning run down the right flank. A few moments later, Juan Cáceres fouled Pulisich — Dutch referee Danny Makkelie pulled out a yellow card.
31: Second Goal — Balogun’s Double and Pulisich’s Key Role
The 31st minute marked the second goal for the World Cup hosts. Folarin Balogun scored from an offside position, then calmly placed the ball into the far corner after a cross from Pulisich again.
Paraguay looked like they hadn’t arrived for the match. Sadness, despair, and hopelessness could be seen on the faces of South American fans in the stands.
Second Goal Doesn’t Wake Paraguay — Balogun Scores Again
The second goal didn’t revive Paraguay. Chris Richards missed a standard play by just a bit, sending the ball near the far post. On the 5th added minute, Balogun shredded the defense again.
Folarin escaped from Omar Alderete, disposed of Gustavo Gómez with one move, and slammed the ball into the far corner. Pure beauty!
A Heavy First Half for Paraguay and Cáceres
Was this even Paraguay? Instead of competition, it was a massacre. A brutal first half for the South American team. A brutal first half for Cáceres, who constantly lost battles to Pulisich.
Miguel Almirón had to gather the Paraguay players in a circle on the field. Only after a brief conversation did the South Americans leave for the locker room.
Shocking: Pulisich Rested in the First Half
Surprisingly, the US staff pulled Pulisich off at halftime. Was he injured? Did Mauricio Pochettino give the star player rest? Or show mercy to Paraguay? The last one seems unlikely.
Paraguay made only one substitution in the break, though they could have removed their entire starting lineup.
VAR Changes: New Rules in Action
A curious refereeing incident happened early in the second half. Referee Makkelie first showed a yellow card to American Tim Ream. The Dutch referee thought the defender fouled Almirón.
But after video assistant input, Makkelie went to the monitor and changed his decision. Instead of a warning for Ream, he gave a yellow card to Almirón for simulation. This is how VAR works now — something we haven’t seen before.
73: Paraguay’s Only Goal — Enrique’s Substitute Scores
The next goal came until the 73th minute. When the United States slightly放松ed pressure, punishment arrived immediately. Julio Enciso passed to Mauricio, and the substitute player hit the far corner.
A defensive error Pochettino will surely analyze after the match.
Orlando Gil’s Mistake and USA Almost Scores Again
Shortly after, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil caught the ball with his fingertips after Timothy Weah’s dense shot. Surprisingly, the referee didn’t call for a corner. All replays show the keeper touched the ball.
In the closing moments, USA’s advantage wasn’t as overwhelming, but the hosts could have scored a fourth. Ricardo Pepi found himself in a deadly position but blasted over the target.
Still, Paraguay didn’t escape the rout. Giovanni Reyna on the 8th added minute struck the far corner with the outside of his foot. 4–1!
USA Start with Victory — Group D Leaders
The United States began with a win, delighting the celebrity crowd on the expensive stadium. Americans now lead Group D, though Australia and Turkey haven’t played yet.
In the 2nd round, USA will face Australia, while Paraguay will meet Turkey.
