The U.S. hosts the opening stretch of FIFA 2026, and Republicans are showing public support for the men’s national team as the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Thursday marked the official start of World Cup play, with matches underway across three host countries and the first game played in Mexico. The U.S. men’s team takes the field Friday night in Los Angeles, facing Paraguay in Group D as national attention swings to SoFi Stadium. Fans, officials, and lawmakers are all leaning into the moment, treating this as a chance for the country to shine on a global stage.
Earlier in the week, members of Congress kept traditions alive with the annual Congressional Baseball Game, which played out in Washington, D.C. The GOP squad won decisively, 11-2, and some of the action from that friendly charity contest has been shared widely. Those results set a tone of competitive pride that spilled over into World Cup enthusiasm.
Federal agencies have been preparing for months to keep venues safe for the tens of thousands of fans expected at each match up through July 19. Local and national security planning is in place to manage crowds, protect participants, and keep events running smoothly. That planning is getting attention because hosting this size of tournament is an enormous logistical task.
Here’s a peek inside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles: The scene inside the stadium captures the excitement and scale that come with hosting a World Cup match in a major American venue. Fans from around the world are converging on cities across the U.S., and the atmosphere is already electric ahead of the U.S. opener. Venues are bustling with activity as teams and supporters prepare for kickoff.
Part of the fun is watching political figures cheer alongside ordinary fans, and several Republicans made their support public before the game. Representative Mike Lawler posted a patriotic message on his X account, expressing confidence and goodwill as Team USA began its World Cup quest. Those public endorsements emphasize unity around a national team rather than partisan divides.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) shared a patriotic message on his X account:
He wrote:
As America begins its quest for the World Cup, we’re all behind Team USA as they take the field tonight.
https://x.com/ZachCav/status/2065583365236072857
There’s nothing like seeing our nation compete on the world stage, representing the hard work, determination, and spirit that make our country great. Wishing the team the best of luck as they begin their journey.
Go USA! 🇺🇸⚽
Speaker Mike Johnson also highlighted presidential engagement, sharing that the President placed a timely call to the team before the match. Those high-profile messages add a ceremonial feel to the kickoff and underscore how international sports can intersect with national leadership moments. The mix of civic pride and political signaling is part of the spectacle surrounding the tournament.
Americans and visitors are packing stadiums and public watch parties, where food and beverages are part of the fan experience, and concession pricing is already a talking point. Local bars and eateries leaned into the World Cup vibe, with some venues advertising special viewing events for Friday’s match. One neighborhood spot known for wings, pizza, and beer posted that it would host a patriotic USA viewing party for the crowd and supporters.
I have the feeling the prices are much more reasonable at this fine establishment which, based on its X bio, usually serves up brews and wings (and pizza) for Buffalo Bills/Sabres fans; For Friday, the advertisement showed that it is happily hosting a patriotic USA World Cup viewing party tonight:
Inside the stadium, the pageantry of the pregame national anthem remains a highlight for many attendees, and fans rallied with chants and flags ahead of kickoff. Supporters shouted “USA! USA! USA!” to show their backing as players took the field for the opening whistle. Moments like these remind viewers why sports bring people together from different walks of life.
In case you missed it, enjoy the majesty of our “Star-Spangled Banner” being performed ahead of Friday’s match-up: The blend of patriotism and competition makes these World Cup nights feel like major civic events, especially when the host nation is playing at home. Whether watching from a stadium seat or a local bar, the mood is upbeat and hopeful as fans rally behind Team USA.
And who better to get the U.S. team ready, and excited to put their game faces on, than the President of the United States in a timely phone call – as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) shared on his own post Friday:
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