USA start World Cup in style - but can they finally join the elite?

The United States men's national soccer team began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a dominant 45-minute performance against Paraguay on Saturday, dispelling doubts about their readiness to host and compete at the highest level. This strong start signals their ambition to join the elite tier of international football nations. The team's performance demonstrated a level of play that suggests they are prepared to meet the significant pressure associated with co-hosting the prestigious tournament in 2026. Their early success sets a positive tone for their aspirations in the competition.