Coast-to-coast cheers as US fans react to 2026 World Cup draw

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK, Dec 5 : From a Hollywood-style watch party in Los Angeles to a packed fan zone in New York's Times Square, U.S. soccer fans reacted with pride, anticipation and nerves on Friday as the 2026 World Cup draw set the stage for next summer's expanded tournament.

In downtown Los Angeles, soccer legends, coaches and city officials gathered to mark the city's role as one of the key hosts of the first 48-team World Cup. Thousands of miles away in New York, fans erupted with cheers and occasional boos as groups were revealed on giant screens.

Former U.S. women's national team star Mia Hamm said the draw - which confirmed co-hosts United States will open against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12 - had turned long-building anticipation into something more tangible.

"To bring the World Cup back to North America and show how much the sport has grown, it's going to be amazing," Hamm told Reuters at the Los Angeles watch party.

"Now that we know who we're facing, the excitement really starts."

LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney highlighted the global stars expected to take the field, from icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Spain's teenage standout Lamine Yamal.

"Watching Messi in what could be his final World Cup is going to be incredible," Vanney said.

Fox Sports analyst Warren Barton said Los Angeles' gleaming SoFi Stadium would be a fitting stage for the U.S. to launch their campaign under the bright lights.

"LA loves a show, and this is the biggest show in the world," Barton said.

'IT'S A VIBE'

In Times Square, 13-year-old Christian Reyes, still in his kit after playing in a youth tournament on a mini pitch laid out beneath the billboards, said the draw made the World Cup feel close.

"I'm really thankful being