At least 2,000 spectators gathered in the plaza of the Pasadena Civic Center defied the high temperature of 85 degrees and ended up celebrating with great fanfare the overwhelming debut of the United States team, 4-1, against a harmless and ineffective representation of Paraguay, in its debut in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We have a chance of reaching the final,” dared to predict Katie Colburn, a tourist from Florida who came to see the Stars and Stripes team’s match against the “Albirroja” led by the Argentine Gustavo Alfaro, known as the “Utopia Hunter,” a term that could also be used to describe any project or perfect system that seems very difficult to achieve in practice.
Hundreds of chairs were arranged throughout the small square on Green Street, surrounded by several food stalls selling hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos and burritos, offered at excessively high prices.
“I paid $18 for a hamburger,” complained Pasadena resident Andrés Jiménez. “The good thing was that I brought my own beers, because otherwise, they’ll knock an eye out of your face here.”‘
From the beginning of the match, the United States put strong pressure on a crouching Guaraní team that took too long to respond to the intense physical display of the team led by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino. Until the 72nd minute, Julio César “La Joya” Enciso reduced the score to 3-1 and saved the South Americans from total disgrace.
Criticism of Donald Trump
However, the same American fans criticized the “criminal” treatment that the federal authorities gave to the delegations of Senegal and Uzbekistan, with the application of a series of anti-immigration and security measures that have affected hundreds of people and even players.
“What the Trump administration has done is insane and unacceptable,” declared Greg Samarge, a marketing employee who arrived from Burbank to the football party, accompanied by his wife Natalie and their children Lucas and Román.
“We have not welcomed the world or the fanatics from other countries that the government considers inferior. We, the true Americans, want them here. What they have done is dejected.”
His compatriot Michael Chamsfodine, a resident of Glendora, said: “What they have done to him is rubbish. They are non-terrorist national teams,” he criticized. “What they did is politically stupid.”
James Soto and his six-year-old son Zidane arrived at the Pasadena Civic Center two hours before the match, and had to endure the strong initial heat: about 85 degrees, although at the end the football party had a refreshing summer air.
A footballer who breaks blocks
“I would like the United States to win 4-1, with two goals from Christian Pulisic, one from Weston McKennie and the other from Folarin Balogun.” His wishes were doubly fulfilled by Balogun.
Since before the opening whistle, the confidence of American fans was focused on the national team’s star, Christian Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan in Italy, and on the fast Folarin Balogun, the latter scoring two goals.
“Pulisic is the kind of player who can break down opposing defensive blocks,” Soto said.
Curiously, the esplanade of the Pasadena Civic Center was also filled with Hispanic families, wearing the jersey of the Mexican national team.
“Mexico already won, and now we have to support the country where I was born,” said Luis Coronado, son of David and María Coronado. She was originally from Veracruz, Mexico and her father was from El Salvador.
However, it was not all sweetness and joy, as his wife Luisa complained about the food prices that expanded along Green Street.
She bought just a small box of fries with chicken, a burrito, three glasses of water and a michelada, for which she had to pay $90.00.
“Everything is very expensive,” said Luisa Coronado.
This is how the atmosphere was in Pasadena:
The psychological impact of the United States
With the United States flag on his back, Honduran Christian Moore told La Opinión that, based on the performance of the United States team, he would not be surprised if it reached the round of 16 of the World Cup.
“I’ve seen some of the United States’ games and the team plays with confidence, although they owe us more goals,” said the public services employee in the city of Monterey Park, originally from San Pedro Sula.
His initial prediction was a 2-1 victory for the United States, and he was surprised by the 3-0 score in the first 45 minutes of the match held before 70,494 spectators at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, although he acknowledged that the Albirroja lost their grip and spirit from the 7th minute, due to Damián Bobadilla’s own goal.
“I never understood why Paraguay continued to lock in the defense after the own goal or when they lost 2-0,” analyzed Costa Rican Carlos Maroto for whom the United States performed impeccably.
“It was surprising that they didn’t wait to tie up Paraguay and that they came out so offensive and didn’t let them touch the ball for a long time,” he added. “For now they have a huge psychological impact due to the resounding victory, I hope the physical aspect reaches them, because it was only the first game.”
There were no incidents during the football party. Seven elements of the Pasadena Police Department were enough to control order.
The first day of Group D is completed this Saturday with the meeting between the Australian and Turkish teams.
