The United States launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a tense 2-1 victory over Canada at SoFi Stadium. Christian Pulisic stepped up in the 68th minute to convert a penalty awarded after VAR overturned an initial offside decision, restoring the lead for the hosts.

Canada had battled back impressively before halftime when Alphonso Davies found the net to cancel out an earlier American advantage. The goal energized the Canadian side and set up a fiercely contested second half.

Despite mounting pressure in the closing stages, Canada could not find an equalizer. The U.S. held firm defensively to secure all three points in their Group A opener and send a strong message to the rest of the tournament.