Enthusiastic Fans Embrace U.S. Soccer Team in World Cup Opener

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The scene was electric as American sports enthusiasts filled the stadium, adorned in team jerseys and sporting vibrant red, white, and blue face paint. This time, however, the focus was on soccer. The U.S. men’s national team kicked off their World Cup journey against Paraguay on Friday, drawing tens of thousands of fervent supporters to the colossal venue near Los Angeles. Many fans invested significant sums to witness their team compete on a global platform, marking a pivotal moment for a sport that has historically been overshadowed in the U.S.

Fans shared their long-standing connection to soccer, often recalling childhood experiences in recreational leagues and school teams. Nakisha Gutierrez, a 37-year-old occupational therapist from Los Angeles, highlighted her family's deep-rooted passion for the sport, stating, “It's in the family blood. It is the American culture — it's starting to be.” As she proudly sported sparkling red and blue face paint, she reflected on how soccer has become an integral part of their lives.

The World Cup, held every four years, captivates global audiences as nations rally behind their teams, with celebrations erupting in countries like Paraguay upon qualifying. In contrast, the response in the U.S. has often been more subdued, as soccer has historically struggled to gain the same prominence as football, basketball, or baseball. However, since the 1994 World Cup, soccer's profile in the U.S. has seen a significant uptick, particularly among younger generations influenced by a surge in youth participation and immigrant communities.

Ava Cupit, a 14-year-old from Franklin, Tennessee, arrived in a Statue of Liberty costume to cheer for the U.S. team. Her family's soccer legacy traces back to her great-grandfather, who played a pivotal role in bringing the sport to their small town. “He made us all fall in love with it,” said her mother, Rachel Cupit. “The people who’ve married in, they’ve just become a part of it too.”

Jose Contreras, a self-described soccer enthusiast, traveled from Georgia to support the U.S. team despite having closer matches in Atlanta. “This is one of the happiest days of my life,” he expressed. With an attendance of 70,492 in the stadium typically reserved for football, fans showcased their patriotic spirit through a sea of red and white attire, with some going as far as dressing up as Uncle Sam or George Washington. Their presence underscored a growing enthusiasm for soccer in the nation, with many fans eager to attend all of the U.S. team's matches in the group stage. Hector Garcia, a seasoned World Cup attendee, remarked on the positive energy the fans would bring to the players, saying, “This is World Cup atmosphere, and I think this is really going to lift their spirits.”