Team USA fans in Kansas City have high hopes: ‘See where the energy carries us’

Although Team USA’s record-breaking win against Paraguay was some 1,600 miles away in Los Angeles, the energy traveled to Kansas City’s FIFA Fan Fest.

The live game started at 8 p.m, after the Chief’s KC Wolf and the KC Rumble paraded down the festival.

“Everybody around is screaming out USA, USA,” said Myles Nabors. “Hopefully we get the W tonight. That’s all I’m here for, I’m here for a win.”

Team USA is feeding off the energy of the World Cup being played in their own country, said Avery Mitchell, who was watching the game amongst friends.

Another set of friends dressed up in founding father costumes, wigs and all, to show their support for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

“Goals! I’m excited for goals, multiple goals,” said Jacob Joerz, predicting how the night would go. He and his two friends, Zach McCarty and Dylan Scheloski, have all been playing soccer since young, and they were ecstatic to watch USA in their home country.

USA took an early lead in the first half, starting with one goal within the first seven minutes of the game.

“One goal, obviously early. It was our own goal, but honestly, it’s awesome. I think us scoring early makes the environment better just here in Kansas City,” said Jeremiah Musa.

Their momentum carried on, ending the half with 2-0.

Andrew Tate follows the team and is glad to see them start off strong. He was nervous after seeing the HBO docuseries, “U.S. Against the World: Four Years with the Men’s National Soccer Team,” which shows the athletes’ emotions as they hope for a strong showing in 2026.

“It’s not been great, so this is a really great start,” said Tate. “It’s good to see these guys clicking.”

Some were glad to see such a dominant score, not just because they’re fanp, but also for their bets.

“My parlay depends on this game, so let’s hope that they take this game home, and we at least make the round of eight,” said Luke Scholberg. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

In the second half, Team USA scored again, after receiving two yellow cards, one of which overturned.

Suparna Garinger, a USA fan from Bangladesh, has lived in the United States for 27 years. She’s been in the KC area for around 12 years.

“I support USA from the heart because this is my home right now,” Garinger said. She was thrilled about the three goals by the team, she said.

“Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh,” Garinger said. “We are three up. We are killing it.”

Paraguay took USA fans by surprise, also scoring a goal in the second half.

Ultimately, the USA held its lead, adding two additional points. During the extra seven minutes added to the game, their last goal ignited the Fan Fest crowd to cheers and sealed their victory.

“I thought we’re going to do all right. I did not expect us to sweep. That was awesome. That was pretty cool,” said Adam Billau. He was elated to have witnessed the historic win, he said.

With a 4-1 score, the USA broke their team record for most goals scored in a World Cup game. This win puts them at No. 1 on the Group D stage.

“Best I’ve ever seen the U.S. play in a World Cup. Unbelievable. That was domination,” said Jereny Hendricks. “4-1 and some beautiful, beautiful goals.”

Team USA plays again on Friday, June 19, facing Australia. The game will be streamed live at KC’s FIFA Fan Fest.

“We might as well start hot because there’s no other way to start the World Cup. This gives us the best chance to take this energy into the next game” said Mitchell.

Ja Morris has aspirations of Team USA going to the quarterfinals, Mitchell agrees and so does Tate.

Tate thinks USA is going to get three wins in Group D, and another after the group stage.

“That’s my bold prediction,” he said.

Mitchell expects Team USA to make it to the group of 16 teams.

“We’ll see where the energy carries us from there,” she said. “I know we have a talented team. I know we’re not expected to win, but I feel like if we feed off the energy and the opportunity to play in our home country for the first time in 30 years, we actually have a chance to do something special.”

Garinger, more hopeful, thinks there’s a chance that USA could take it all, based off the game.

“You never know,” she said.