The United States went 'soccer crazy' as the host nation kicked off the World Cup with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The star-studded event in Los Angeles saw celebrities like Tom Cruise, David and Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry with her boyfriend Justin Trudeau, James Corden, Paris Hilton, and Leonardo DiCaprio cheering from the stands.
Fanzones Across Host Cities
Tens of thousands of fans gathered in fanzones across host cities. In Kansas, local music acts entertained up to 25,000 people, creating an unforgettable night for home supporters. They were joined by thousands of Latinos celebrating Mexico's opening victory as well.
Luis Pacheco, who works at the Slope Sports complex where England has its training base, expressed his excitement: "It is a great start, a great atmosphere. It would be like this for Mexico games but obviously this is much bigger. As a fan it feels like the World Cup is in full swing now."
His wife, Kansas-born Tara Tamburello, added: "I would love Mexico or the USA to win. I really don't think that is going to happen, do you? It feels like it has been such a long time coming and now it has finally arrived. I am very proud of Kansas and I know the people here want to be really good hosts. It is a big Latino city; we have all been very excited in the build up."
Local Celebrations
Bar manager Raul Aguirie, 29, who moved to the US from Chihuahua at age three, welcomed hundreds of fans at his Kansas City bar 'Dos Lokos'. The establishment saw fans dancing and singing to a band, raising the roof for the opening World Cup weekend. Aguirie expects more great nights ahead at the biggest tournament in history.
"This World Cup will be amazing," he said. "If we do play England then I'm sorry but we will have a big advantage at the Azteca. Imagine what it will be like with all our fans behind the team. Even against England, I think we could do it."
International Fans
Teacher Simon Ellis, 60, originally from Stockton-on-Tees, now lives in Colorado but traveled to Kansas to watch the USA vs. Paraguay game at the fan fest with his daughter Emily, 24. "Kansas is very proud to host the games and they are big on sports here. They love England. I just spoke with a fan who said they were his second team. I will be watching England in a pub called the Red Lion in Lawrence near Kansas. There was a Red Lion on Norton High Street near my home."
Simon left the UK in 1991 to live in the US. "I have just had my 60th birthday and my wife said 'I have got you a ticket to the fanfest in Kansas'. So we have come to enjoy the atmosphere," he added.
