FIFA World Cup 2026: Hosts Start Strong as Tournament Gets Underway

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and two of the tournament's three host nations have already taken center stage.

After Mexico opened the competition with a victory over South Africa on Thursday, the United States followed with an impressive win over Paraguay, while Canada fought back to earn a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday.

Together, the results ensured that all three co-hosts avoided defeat in their opening matches.

USA Send Statement With 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay

The United States kicked off its home World Cup campaign in style with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.

The match followed a colorful opening ceremony featuring music stars and entertainers, helping launch the first World Cup hosted in the United States since 1994.

Once the football began, the Americans quickly took control.

An early own goal from Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla gave the hosts the lead before striker Folarin Balogun scored twice to put the game beyond doubt.

Gio Reyna added a late fourth goal as Mauricio Pochettino's side delighted the home crowd.

Paraguay managed a second-half consolation goal, but the result was never in doubt as the United States produced one of the strongest performances of the tournament so far.

Balogun's brace and the team's attacking display immediately boosted hopes that the Americans could make a deep run on home soil.

Canada Rescue Point Against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Meanwhile, in Toronto, Canada could not match Mexico and the United States' winning start, but the hosts avoided defeat with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The match marked Canada's first-ever World Cup game as a tournament host, with a festive atmosphere welcoming fans from around the world to Toronto.

Bosnia and Herzegovina looked set to spoil the occasion before Canadian striker Cyle Larin struck in the 78th minute to level the score and rescue a valuable point for the hosts.

The draw leaves Canada with work to do in Group B, but the late comeback ensured the co-hosts avoided an opening defeat and kept their qualification hopes firmly alive.

With Mexico winning, the United States cruising and Canada picking up a point, the tournament's host nations have made a positive start as the biggest World Cup in history gets underway.