It's been a thrilling start to the World Cup. Here are the highlights and what's next

It's been a thrilling start to the World Cup. Here are the highlights and what's next June 15, 20265:00 AM ET Russell Lewis U.S. forward Folarin Balogun (c) celebrates with teammates after scoring his second goal during the U.S.'s opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the group stage of the World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images LOS ANGELES — With all the political drama, high ticket costs, immigration problems, and transit worries leading up to this year's edition of the FIFA World Cup, much of that has washed away now that the games are underway. And what a thrilling start to the five-week soccer tournament we've witnessed across the co-hosts Mexico, Canada and the United States. Soccer Edition The U.S. dazzles in its World Cup opener, dominating Paraguay 4-1 Let's get you caught up, and look forward to the week ahead. We're a U.S.-based media organization. So, of course, we need to start with the dominant and, arguably, best World Cup game the American men have ever played (yes, the U.S. has won the Women's World Cup four times). Last Friday's opener at Los Angeles Stadium against Paraguay had it all. Starting with the score: 4-1. That's the most goals the U.S. men have tallied in a World Cup match. Striker Folarin Balogun netted two of them — the first multi-goal game by a U.S. player since the very first tournament in 1930. Sponsor Message Defender Chris Richards returned to the lineup after missing both pre-World Cup warm-up games because of an injury. And he made an immediate impact: successfully completing every one of his 83 passes (the most by any player in a World Cup match since 1966). Regarding injuries, the status of star forward Christian Pulisic remains unclear. He was subbed out at halftime because of a calf problem. After the game, he walked gingerly to the team bus. Soccer Edition Your cheat sheet to the 26 players on the U.S. World...