The U.S. Men's National Team opened its 2026 home World Cup with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay, a new team record for goals in a World Cup match. Folarin Balogun scored twice in a commanding first half. The win boosts the USMNT's knockout stage chances to a projected 97%, though key players Christian Pulisic and Balogun left the match with minor injury concerns.
USMNT 4-1 victory over Paraguay
- ▪The four goals set a new record for the most ever scored by the USMNT in a single World Cup match
- ▪The U.S. Men's National Team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
- ▪The USMNT controlled 72% of possession in the first half, establishing a 3-0 lead by halftime
- ▪The USMNT's first goal was an own goal by Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla; Gio Reyna scored the last goal, and Maurício scored for Paraguay
Folarin Balogun breakthrough performance
- ▪USMNT forward Folarin Balogun scored two goals in the first half against Paraguay
- ▪An earlier first-half goal by Folarin Balogun was disallowed for an offside in the buildup
U.S. World Cup advancement prospects
- ▪The win is seen as a crucial moment for the USMNT's "Golden Generation" after recent disappointments, including a 2024 Copa América "disaster"
- ▪Projections give the USMNT a 97% chance of advancing to the knockout stage and a 59% chance of winning its group
- ▪The USMNT is in Group D with Australia and Turkey, and their next match is against Australia on June 19
Upcoming Group D opponents analysis
- ▪Future opponent Australia is noted for its height and set-piece threat, while Turkey has technically gifted midfielders and attackers
- ▪Paraguay's performance was described as "poor" and "dreadful," well below the standard they showed in qualifying
Pochettino tactical decisions
- ▪USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino started 38-year-old Tim Ream as team captain for the opening match
- ▪A yellow card for USMNT defender Tim Ream was overturned by a VAR intervention
Key player injury concerns
- ▪Folarin Balogun also left the match with a potential fitness concern, and midfielder Tyler Adams received a yellow card
- ▪Christian Pulisic was substituted at halftime as a precaution after receiving a kick to his calf
Story comments
Loading comments…