The United States made a statement in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in front of a passionate home crowd. The win was the first home World Cup game in the U.S. to occur in over 30 years and the largest scoring run in the country’s history in a World Cup game played by the men’s team.
Two goals from Folarin Balogun highlighted the presence of the hosts as an American own goal set up Paraguayan defender Damian Bobadilla giving his side a lead just 19 minutes in. Substitute Gio Reyna scored a late goal to put an impressive record together.
In the seventh minute, the pressure in Paraguay defensive third led to an own goal and the United States started aggressively on the night and has the lead. The Americans had clear advantage for possession and attacking from the early stages of the first half.
The game came back into their own in the 31st minute, as Balogun soared through a packet of skilful play in the capital’s half space and away gone the initial shot, but he had not been hurried. It’s partly because of the striker putting his second in the net just before the break for a classy finish after breaking through two yards of defence!
The second half was not as extreme but the United States dominated the game. Midfielder Mauricio was able to DKI parry once in the 73rd minute, but it didn’t help when Reyna drove in the goal in stoppage time.
A highlight of the match was the possibility that midfielder Sebastian Berhalter became the second U.S. player to do what his father did in the World Cup, draw an international crowd to the stadium. Pulisic was substituted following the half-time knock in order to be precautious, but is likely to be fit for the next match.
The win was convincing and means the U.S. have a great beginning to World Cup and will get more confident before joining in the group stage games.