INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The U.S. Men's National Team made a powerful statement at SoFi Stadium, delivering an entertaining 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup opener that aims to convert even the most die-hard American football skeptics into soccer fans.

Weston McKennie, who grew up in Little Elm, Texas — deep in American football country — has heard the criticisms of soccer for years. But after Friday's emphatic win, he had a simple message for the naysayers: "For the people (who) say, 'Oh, soccer's boring' — well, you had five goals today."

The match showcased the attacking flair that has defined this USMNT iteration. McKennie himself orchestrated plays from midfield, while Christian Pulisic dazzled with his dribbling skills, weaving between and nutmegging defenders. Folarin Balogun battling with Paraguayan center backs before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner, and Malik Tillman demonstrated clever flicks and tricks throughout the match.

"We just wanted to go out there and feel like how we felt whenever we would play pickup ball," McKennie explained after the match.

In doing so, the USMNT accomplished something significant — they made soccer dramatic, fun, and contagious, reminiscent of Landon Donovan's iconic 2010 World Cup performances and what France and Argentina achieved in 2022.

For the tens of millions of Americans who already love the sport, this was confirmation of what they already know. But for those who remain skeptical, McKennie offered an invitation: "hopefully today, with this performance, they can see and connect with us. I think that's something we want to be, relatable. And they can see the joy that we have when we play."

The team also recognized the impact of the passionate fan presence, with McKennie noting that the atmosphere at SoFi Stadium was electric. "I think that's one thing that's gonna change soccer here, having the World Cup here," he added. "I think a lot of people will be touched by the passion that a lot of the fans have."

Three years ago, under then-coach Gregg Berhalter, the team adopted a mission statement to "change soccer in America forever." While that statement faded after Berhalter's departure in 2024, it stuck with certain players, including McKennie, who have resurfaced it in 2026.

The best way to change the sport, they understand, is to make people feel it. The best way to get someone to care about something is to care about it deeply yourself, visibly, with all your heart.

Approximately 25 million viewers in America watched Gio Reyna's majestic moment on Fox and Telemundo. Many already understood how infectious the sport can be. But others didn't — and the U.S. team, along with the fans, taught them.

This is how a sport grows. This is the power of the 2026 World Cup, and of this USMNT, which is playing evocative, entertaining soccer like never before.

"Now," U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino told Fox, "(fans) realize that soccer here in America is massive. It's big. Be careful, other sports."