There's a saying that soccer is the sport that unites people and that is exactly what we witnessed as several valley residents gathered at the McAllen convention center oval park to watch the united states take on Paraguay to open up group d play in the 2026 world cup.

A team chant, check. Wearing the nation's colors in support, check. The sharp focus, the agony, the close calls and the excitement of seeing your team score, check, check, and triple check.

The perfect ingredients to create a euphoric watch party experience in McAllen for the World Cup match between the United States and Paraguay.

"We hope they win. It would be awesome if we can get Mexico and the USA to play against each other, so I really want them to win" said Juan Martinez, a United States fan.

"I want to see the team come out play with a lot of energy and play with a lot of grit. Hopefully we'll go up in points early in the match," said Robert Carreon, a United States fan.

Everyone in attendance witnessed just that as team USA went on to dominate the first half, scoring three goals in the process.

"The way they're playing is very good. They're very calm, allowing space, seeing the passes and really communicating "said Jayden Gonzalez, a United States fan.

But what everyone enjoyed the most was the unity as a community through soccer

"All the people are getting excited for this game for this world cup and it's not going to be the first time we come together to watch a soccer game," said Aldo Muzquiz, a United States fan.