Red-and-white striped jerseys were everywhere inside a packed NFL stadium.
FIFA chaos, travel problems and constant complaints about overpriced tickets were replaced by one of the most dominant thrashings in USMNT history.
US Soccer received a huge lift in the World Cup opener
5
US Soccer received a huge lift in the World Cup openerCredit: getty
It couldn't have started better for USA
This was the near-perfect start that Mauricio Pochettino needed.
This was also the USA-opening match that FIFA President Gianni Infantino needed to prove that the biggest -- and most expensive -- sports tournament in history could actually work in America.
"On behalf of the whole team, massive thank you to the fans," said Pochettino, after a 4-1 triumph over Paraguay that ended with a 9 rating for Christian Pulisic and a perfect 10 for Folarin Balogun.
"Because the energy that they relate to the team was amazing, and we can do amazing things if the fans are in this way."
READ MORE ON USMNT
The most amazing thing that USMNT can accomplish in 2026 is to make a summer run that turns into a soccer takeover of the USA.
That's been the dream for years -- sometimes proclaimed with pride but often whispered in the fear that Pochettino and Co. will disappoint with the world watching.
On Friday inside the NFL home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, a roaring crowd of 70,492 represented the largest to watch USMNT since 1994 and the seventh-largest ever.
Of course, key early matches vs Australia and Turkiye remain in Group D play.
Are you ready for some soccer?
Pulisic's injury could slow USMNT's roll, just when a sports-obsessed country is moving past the NBA Finals and NHL Stanley Cup Final, and realizing that soccer is literally on TV every hour, every day until July 19.
But 2026 wasn't just connected with 1994, which was the last (and first) time that the United States hosted a World Cup.
USMNT is off to a roaring start in the 2026 World Cup
5
USMNT is off to a roaring start in the 2026 World CupCredit: getty
USA fans celebrated a 4-1 win over Paraguay
5
USA fans celebrated a 4-1 win over ParaguayCredit: getty
This could become a common sight in America this summer
5
This could become a common sight in America this summerCredit: getty
Pochettino, Pulisic and Balogun brought it all the way back to 1930, which is the last time that an American scored two goals in a World Cup match.
The former Chelsea, Tottenham and PSG coach -- who is reportedly being paid $6 million a year to improve the state of US Soccer -- received the passion and energy from his players that he'd been demanding.
"It's a great way to start our Group Stage," said USMNT captain Tim Ream, after his side dominated possession, accurate passes and expected goals.
"It would have been more perfect with a clean sheet. But scoring four goals and getting three points is a great way."
'Unbelievable' Balogun scorched the net
When Balogun's name and his two clinical finishes were mentioned, the 38-year-old Ream shook his head in disbelief.
"Unbelievable," Ream said. "That's what he's capable of and that's what he's been showing in training."
Coming to America
What this USMNT is truly capable of has been a question that's been dissected for months.
"Can we make it to not only the quarterfinal, but can we potentially go to a semifinal, one that we haven't been to since 1930?" former USMNT star Tab Ramos exclusively told talkSPORT.
"Not that that's the expectation. But I think when you hire a coach of this magnitude, I think you want to go a little bit further than you've gone before. And I think a lot of people are thinking along the lines that I'm thinking right now."
That belief pumped through a buzzing Los Angeles Stadium, taking over social media and giving USMNT the best early win of the World Cup.
Build on this and make soccer great in USA
An opening home loss would have been shattering.
A frustrating draw or tense 2-1 victory would have only created more questions for Pochettino's squad, which blends MLS stars with solid Premier League and European players.
Billy Bob Thornton celebrated with Folarin Balogun
5
Billy Bob Thornton celebrated with Folarin BalogunCredit: getty
Blasting Paraguay on worldwide TV doubled as a public announcement and a strong statement.
This chaotic and unwieldy World Cup -- dreamt up by FIFA and Infantino in the pursuit of the almighty dollar -- could actually be a ton of fun.
It will be if USMNT takes over America this summer and allows a huge, proud country to forget about its problems for a couple brilliant months.
Read More on talkSPORT
World Cup WhatsApp
Don't miss an update from talkSPORT in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.
Search for 'talkSPORT World Cup' in your 'Updates' tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.
It's where you'll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings.
Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.
Stay up to date on all things USMNT across our talkSPORT platforms - subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show 'The S* Word, from 8am ET.
All 104 games at the 2026 World Cup this summer will be live on talkSPORT, talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT app .