Aaron Long said a U.S. victory against Paraguay in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup would settle the team's nerves.
As the host nation, the U.S. faces immense pressure to perform on home soil. A strong start in the group stage is critical for momentum and managing the psychological weight of national expectations.
Long, a defender for Los Angeles FC and a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team, said a win against Paraguay would "settle all the nerves" [1]. The opening match took place on Friday night, June 8, 2026 [1].
The tension within the squad stems from a long gap between global tournaments. Long said the team has waited four years [1] since the 2022 World Cup to compete on this stage again. This interval has created a build-up of anticipation and pressure for the players.
To manage this challenge, the U.S. entered the tournament with a roster of 26 players [1]. The selection process aimed to provide the depth, and versatility needed to navigate the tournament's rigorous schedule.
Long's comments reflect the internal dynamics of a team attempting to balance tactical preparation with the emotional toll of hosting the world's largest sporting event. The match against Paraguay served as the primary hurdle for the team to overcome their initial anxiety and establish a rhythm for the remainder of the competition.
“"settle all the nerves"”
The emphasis on 'settling nerves' underscores the psychological burden of being a host nation. For the U.S. Men’s National Team, the opening match is not merely about earning three points, but about breaking a four-year cycle of anticipation to avoid a tentative performance that could derail their tournament trajectory.
