USMNT Opens 2026 World Cup with Dominant 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay

Jun 10, 2026

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.