With the U.S. off to a hot start to its home World Cup, learn a bit more about the people these 26 players are as they captivate the country

The U.S. is opening its 2026 World Cup on Friday evening against Paraguay. For the 26 Americans on the team, this match is the culmination of years of hard work and training.

Iranian diaspora in Southern California follows the national soccer team through a local club, reflecting complex personal and cultural ties ahead of Iran’s World Cup draw.

The U.S. men's national soccer team kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday.

While the U.S. has rejected the Iran soccer team, forcing them to train in Tijuana during this world cup, the border city has rolled out a welcome for a squad caught between sport and geopolitics.

Royal Oak Shrine Catholic Knights’ Jo Malcolm (17) defends Harbor Springs Ram’s Stefi Reskevics (2) in the 2026 MHSAA Division 4 Girls Soccer State Final at DeMartin Soccer Complex, in East Lansing, Mich. on Friday, June 12, 2026. The Rams won, 2-0. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Soccer star Trinity Rodman made a surprise appearance at the 2026 World Cup — and used the memorable moment to debut a new ‘do. Rodman, 24, attended Team USA’s qualifying game against Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle,