The United States kick off their World Cup campaign on Friday, looking to make a strong start in a balanced group.
Paraguay, Australia and Turkey each pose different challenges, but the opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium is a real chance to set the tone.
With the tournament happening on home soil, the sense of pressure and opportunity around the match is even greater, and home support could shape the atmosphere before kick-off.
Helping to set the stage, Grammy-winning duo Dan + Shay have been chosen to sing the US national anthem.
Dan + Shay set for huge World Cup role before USMNT face Paraguay
Dan + Shay are an American country music duo made up of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney. Their country-pop sound has helped them break through to a wider audience beyond country music fans.
They will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the United States face Paraguay. It is a special moment because the match is the first World Cup game played in the US since 1994, and the anthem will be sung live rather than played as an instrumental version.
The duo have won three Grammy Awards, all for Best Country Duo or Group Performance. Their best-known songs include “Tequila”, “Speechless” and “10,000 Hours”, the latter recorded with Justin Bieber.
Dan + Shay will not be the only musical act involved in the opening festivities. Paraguayan duo Purahei Soul are set to perform Paraguay’s anthem, while Jason Sudeikis is also expected to appear as a World Cup ambassador.
Read more:
