US fans were ready to represent at World Cup in LA

A sea of red, white and blue rolled into the Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12.

U.S. fans were ready — from head to toe — to represent their team and their country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the United States men’s national team faced Paraguay in the first match taking place in the Los Angeles area. Many fans said that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they did not want to miss — no matter how much it cost.

The game kicked off at 6 p.m. but a couple of hours earlier, fans began to make their way to the stadium. From hundreds taking public transit and chanting “USA, USA, USA,” to cars driving along Century Boulevard in Inglewood with American flags waving out of windows, the enthusiasm for the game was surging well before people got into their seats.

People of all ages from across the Los Angeles region, state and nation were excited to be attending, and hopeful for a U.S. win.

“It’s the World Cup game and I’m here with my buddies and super excited to be here,” said Einar Galleno, 36, from Mission Viejo. “I’m excited for the crowd. The crowd is going to be, I hope, spectacular with a lot of national spirit. And a game with a lot of goals, hopefully.”

At the front of one of the stadium’s entrances, strangers were helping taking pictures of each other and complimenting their creative outfits. Thousands of people wore Team USA jerseys, as well as hats, scarves, pants and shirts with American flags. Some had American flags draped on their backs. Others held up homemade posters.

Enrique Jimenez and his 10-year-old daughter, Kamila, held signs that said “USA, USA, USA! Justice for Diego Luna,” and “Sold my wife’s car to be here!”

“It’s a joke,” Jimenez clarified about what his sign said. Unfortunately, they did pay nearly $1,200 for each of their tickets, he said, but it would be worth it.

“It’s always been a dream, it’s always been a goal, so luckily we’re in a position to make it happen,” Jimenez said. “(Kamila) is a soccer player also, so I’m hoping this will motivate her to work hard and even make it here one day.”

Outside of the stadium, some fans were still looking for tickets to get inside. Others paid the high price tag to be there.

“Once I knew they were going to play here, I knew I was coming, didn’t matter what it cost,” said Gina Hutchison, 62, from Palmdale. “I knew I was doing it, and I’ll be here for every game.”

As time grew closer to gametime, cheers from fans inside the stadium could be heard as others continued to trickle in. All Team USA fans were asking for was a win.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the U.S. win; today’s win is very important,” said Christian Quinonez, 32, from Inglewood. “It’s been fun so far, it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m already seeing so many people from all walks of life and different parts of the world come here today.”