USMNT vs. Paraguay Sets Records With Historic World Cup Viewership Ratings for Opener

The United States is fully tuned in for the 2026 World Cup.

Fox Sports announced Saturday a record audience watched the United States Men's National Team's dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday. With a peak audience of nearly 18.9 million, the broadcast set multiple records:

Not only did the game set the record for the most-watched USMNT telecast ever, it was also the most-watched FIFA men's World Cup group stage telecast in English-language history in the United States.

And those fans got quite the show.

The Americans dominated possession and created plenty of chances, breaking through with the first mark just seven minutes in thanks to an own goal and then expanding the lead to 3-0 by halftime with Folarin Balogun finding the back of the net twice.

The second half was largely a formality at that point, although the United States responded to a Paraguay goal with a stoppage-time goal of its own when Giovanni Reyna unleashed a beautiful shot before the final whistle.

While the United States figures to face steeper competition as the World Cup continues, it was also a performance that indicated anything less than a run into at least the knockout stages would be a disappointment.

The Americans have plenty of offensive firepower with Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and others leading the attack, and they have no shortage of momentum heading into the next group stage game against Australia.

If Friday's telecast was any indication, millions of people will be tuning in and cheering for another win.