“FOR A FEW MINUTES, 70,000 VOICES BECAME ONE… AND THE EMOTION WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE.” Long before the final score, one powerful moment had already become the memory fans were talking about. As the national anthem echoed throughout a packed World Cup stadium, supporters sang shoulder to shoulder, many with tears in their eyes and hands over their hearts. The atmosphere was electric, emotional, and filled with a sense of pride that reached far beyond the game itself. Before the kickoff, before the drama, and before the victory, it was a reminder of what happens when an entire nation comes together behind one dream.

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USA fans were left emotional before their team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay after a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

More than 70,000 supporters packed into SoFi Stadium as Mauricio Pochettino‘s side began their quest for World Cup glory on home soil with an impressive 4-1 win.

Two men in suits and a woman in traditional dress sing into microphones.
Dan + Shay sent America wild with a spine-tingling rendition of the national anthemCredit: FIFA via Getty Images
A crying man in an American flag shirt clapping with a US flag in the background.
Fans were overcome with emotion during the performanceCredit: Getty

The crowd had already been treated to a spectacular pre-match show featuring pop superstar Katy Perry.

But it was country music duo Dan + Shay who truly struck a chord with supporters before kick-off.

The pair, made up of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, stepped onto the pitch to perform The Star-Spangled Banner ahead of the biggest game in the USA‘s recent soccer history.

As thousands of fans joined in from the stands, emotional scenes unfolded around the stadium.

Some supporters were seen wiping away tears during the anthem, while USA players proudly sang along from the centre circle.

Fans watching at home were equally impressed and quickly took to social media to praise the performance.

One wrote, “That was awesome. Hearing the crowd sing along gets me right in my feelings. Go USA!”

Another posted, “Great job! USA! USA!”

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USA v Paraguay: Group D - FIFA World Cup 2026
The USA team run out 4-1 winners on the dayCredit: Getty

A third added, “What an atmosphere. That anthem gave me goosebumps.”

The emotional scenes underlined the significance of the occasion, with the World Cup returning to American soil for the first time in 32 years.

And the patriotic pre-match atmosphere appeared to inspire the hosts.

The USA got off to the perfect start when Paraguay defender Damian Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net inside the opening seven minutes.

The early breakthrough sent the crowd into raptures and gave Pochettino’s side exactly the start they were hoping for in front of their home fans.