AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTYou have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.Astronomical ticket prices, soaring security costs and concern over traffic and transit snarls is mixed with pride in host cities and excitement over the U.S. team.Listen · 7:14 min The United States plays Paraguay on Friday in the first U.S.-hosted game of the World Cup, at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles.
FIFA is requiring stadiums to hide the logos of their corporate sponsors during the tournament. Credit...Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesJune 12, 2026Prohibitively expensive ticket prices. Unbooked hotel rooms. Host regions spending millions with scant chance of economic payoff.
Journalists, fans and an esteemed referee blocked from entering the country. Competition from a stunning N.B.A. finals series.Even a joke from the Swiss team about snakes got a little out of hand.A day after kicking off in Mexico, the World Cup arrives in the United States on Friday after a yearslong buildup filled with angst and controversy.
But as the Americans prepare to play Paraguay in their first game, at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, there is also plenty of excitement to be found, particularly in host cities and immigrant communities.Watch parties are expected to spill into the streets of neighborhoods like Little Morocco in Queens and Tehrangeles in Southern California, despite concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
A talented U.S. team features players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie who have proven themselves on the international stage. A field expanded to 48 teams, playing across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, gives even more of the world a rooting interest.“I feel that once the ball gets rolling, I’ll forget all of these negative things,” said Sandro Ferro, 48, who lives in Santa Clarita, Calif., outside of Los Angeles.He has followed the U.S. team since he and his family moved from Peru in the 1990s, and was frustrated at not being able to afford tickets to their Friday night opener. “I have a lot of mixed feelings about this World Cup,” he said, but was confident that once the games start, “I’ll finally start getting excited.”ImageHard Rock Cafe made specially branded World Cup gear, which is being displayed in the window of one of its restaurants in Santa Monica, Calif.
The Los Angeles area will host eight matches.Credit...Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesThank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber?
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