The United States kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the hosts delivered an attacking display to collect all three points and make an early statement in the tournament. The match also marked a significant occasion as the USA hosted part of the World Cup opening festivities before turning attention to the action on the pitch.

The Americans took control early and maintained pressure on Paraguay throughout the contest. Their attacking movement and clinical finishing helped them establish a comfortable lead, while Paraguay struggled to contain the hosts’ pace and creativity in the final third.

USA seize control after fast start

The United States settled quickly and found success going forward, creating several opportunities through quick passing and aggressive pressing. Their attacking approach paid off as they built momentum and gradually stretched Paraguay’s defence.

Paraguay attempted to respond and managed to get on the scoresheet, but the South American side found it difficult to match the intensity shown by the hosts. The USA continued to create chances and added further goals to put the result beyond doubt.

With the victory, the United States moved to the top section of Group D and gained an important boost in confidence ahead of their upcoming fixtures in the tournament.

Strong opening result for hosts

A winning start is particularly important in a World Cup campaign, and the USA achieved exactly that with a comprehensive performance. The result gives the hosts valuable momentum as they prepare for the next stage of group play.

For Paraguay, the defeat means they will need a strong response in their remaining group matches to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds alive.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament featuring an expanded format and more participating teams than previous editions.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday spoke with Marco Rubio and conveyed India’s strong protest over recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors.

According to reports, Jaishankar told Rubio that the use of lethal force against commercial shipping was not justified and underlined India’s serious concerns regarding the safety of civilian seafarers operating in the region. The conversation came days after three Indian mariners were killed in an attack on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello near the Oman coast.

The incident has triggered diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington. India had earlier summoned a senior US diplomat to register its concerns and seek accountability following the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized that actions endangering civilian shipping undermine maritime safety and stability in a strategically important region.

India reiterates concern over maritime safety

India has stressed the importance of protecting civilian seafarers and ensuring the security of international maritime commerce. Officials have expressed concern over multiple incidents involving Indian crew members in West Asian waters in recent days.

The deaths of the three sailors have also sparked calls within India for stronger diplomatic efforts to safeguard Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels in conflict-affected maritime zones.

Background of the incident

The attack involved the tanker Settebello, which was operating near Oman when it was struck during ongoing tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran and maritime operations in the Gulf region. Initial reports indicated that Indian crew members were among those affected, and later confirmations established that three Indian sailors had died in the incident.

India has maintained that civilian shipping should not become a target and has continued diplomatic outreach to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers working across global shipping routes.

Three Indian seafarers who had been reported missing following a US military strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday. The bodies of all three sailors have been recovered and identified.

The incident involved the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello, which was carrying 28 crew members, including 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals. According to reports, the vessel came under attack in the Gulf of Oman after US forces alleged that it had failed to comply with instructions and was transporting Iranian oil.

Three missing sailors confirmed dead

The deceased sailors have been identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya and chief engineer Patnala Suresh. They were initially reported missing after the attack while 21 other Indian crew members were rescued. Sonowal described the development as a tragic loss and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

The minister stated that the bodies had been located and identified following search and recovery efforts conducted after the strike.

Vessel carried 24 Indian nationals

MT Settebello had a crew comprising 24 Indians, two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian and one Russian. The tanker was operating in the Gulf of Oman when it was targeted. The US military has said the vessel was struck because it was allegedly violating restrictions related to Iranian oil shipments.

The attack has drawn strong reactions in India due to the loss of Indian lives and concerns over the safety of civilian seafarers operating in a conflict-affected maritime region.

India lodged diplomatic protest

Before the deaths were confirmed, India had formally raised the issue with the United States and sought clarification over the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat and conveyed concerns regarding the safety of Indian crew members aboard commercial vessels.

The latest development marks a tragic conclusion to the search for the three missing sailors and is likely to intensify concerns over maritime security in the Gulf region.