FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off: USA Thrash Paraguay 4-1 as FIFA Defends Empty Seats at Venues

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially begun, and the tournament's co-hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are basking in the excitement of football's greatest spectacle. But alongside the on-field drama, the tournament's opening days have not been without controversy, as questions around venue attendance have emerged. USA Start with a Statement Host nation USA made a strong opening statement in Group D, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 in what was one of the most emphatic results of the tournament's opening round. Playing in front of a massive home crowd, the US team displayed the kind of clinical finishing and organised play that head coach Gregg Berhalter will hope defines their campaign. The result, which sends an early message to other Group D opponents, will have been noted by teams across the tournament. For Ghana, who will face England in a highly anticipated Group L clash, the USA's performance is a reminder of just how competitive the host nation can be at this tournament. FIFA Defends Attendance Figures Not all has been smooth sailing off the pitch, however. FIFA has found itself on the defensive after reports emerged of noticeably empty seats at several World Cup venues, particularly for lower-profile group stage matches. Critics and football media have questioned whether the tournament's ambitious multi-country expansion — spreading games across three nations and dozens of venues — has led to some matches being staged in venues that are too large or too far from major population centres to attract full crowds. FIFA responded by defending its official attendance figures, with spokespeople pointing to overall tournament ticket sales and arguing that attendance numbers remain strong. However, images of visibly empty sections at some games have circulated widely on social media, fuelling the debate. The attendance controversy raises broader questions about the tournament format, with some football purists arguing that the expanded 48-team World Cup, while increasing access for more nations, risks diluting the quality and atmosphere of group stage matches. Others counter that expansion is necessary to grow the global game and give smaller football nations a platform. For Ghanaian fans travelling to the USA to support the Black Stars, the attendance debate is secondary to what happens on the pitch. Ghana's three group stage matches — against Panama in Toronto, England in Boston, and Croatia in Philadelphia — are expected to draw large crowds, particularly for the England fixture, which has significant global appeal.