If there were any questions about the USA being prepared for the demands of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, they vanished during 45 outstanding minutes versus Paraguay on Saturday.

After a glamorous buildup that included a Katy Perry show and Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise in attendance, along with fans wearing stars and stripes, the team could have faltered under the weight of expectation.

Instead they delivered with three goals in a rapid first half and a stunning fourth from Gio Reyna in added time to seal a 4-1 result and a strong Group D opening.

Even ahead of this match some observers had noted the progress of a USA squad that has grown markedly under former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino during the past 20 months.

Ex-USA goalkeeper Tony Meola is among the analysts who believe the side is now positioned to compete with the world's best.

"Now we are so much more established," said Meola, a member of US squads at the 1990, 1994 and 2002 World Cups. "We have players playing all round the world, we have an incredible league and have facilities the world is using right now. Those were a pipe dream a few years ago, now we are a football nation."

This marked the first occasion since 1930 that the USA had won a World Cup match by three goals, a result likely to draw attention from other sides in the competition.

"USA were unbelievable," England great Ellen White said on BBC Match of the Day. "You talk about pressure but they grasped at it, they enjoyed it. They probably shocked the world with that performance."

Victory May Inspire National Belief

Pochettino will stress that nothing is secured yet, yet the Argentine coach understands such a start was vital for creating belief and forward momentum.

Before the opener many Americans appeared largely uninterested in their nation hosting the World Cup, and in Los Angeles it was simple to overlook that a major event was underway.

That shifted on Friday as USA shirts became common on the metro and in bars and coffee shops ahead of kick-off.

A loss here could have quickly drained that energy, but instead it should grow ahead of their next group fixtures versus Turkey and Australia.

Their first-half control was shown by 71 percent possession.

"They look a really dangerous team, they look fit, they look sharp, they look hungry," ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said on BBC Match of the Day. "When you are playing well the crowd get behind you. This is an intimidating stadium when the majority of the crowd are for you, that's for sure."

Pochettino's Influence Shows Clearly

Pochettino took the USA role 20 months ago with the goal of elevating a side that had often exited at the group stage but rarely progressed further.

The tactical shift under the Argentine was evident against Paraguay as they used a high-pressing, attacking approach that overwhelmed their opponents.

Pochettino could also select a squad rich in talent, with 17 of 26 players based in Europe's top five leagues and seven in the Premier League.

He has altered the mindset too, urging players to drop underdog thinking and instead see themselves as capable of reaching the elite level and even winning the World Cup.

"Why not us?" he said earlier this year. "We need to really believe that we can be there. We need to dream."

The USA will need to overcome stronger sides than Paraguay to claim the trophy, yet this showing should help supporters believe they can at minimum repeat their 2002 quarter-final run.

Pulisic and Balogun Central to USA Ambitions

One potential worry for Pochettino and fans is how the match underlined the importance of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun to their prospects.

Both played key roles in a first half where the USA threatened to score on every attack, with Balogun netting twice and Pulisic supplying an assist.

Pulisic was substituted at half-time and Balogun departed with 18 minutes left, and although the USA stayed in control they lacked the same attacking edge after the break.

Post-match Pochettino said Pulisic's exit was precautionary after he felt discomfort in his calf from an earlier training kick.

"I hope it is not a big issue but when we finished the first half he could not work," Pochettino said. "Hopefully not a big issue. Now I think is better and hopefully for the next game he will be available."