The United States opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay in Group D on Saturday, delivering a statement performance on home soil.
The match was settled early. In the seventh minute, a driving run from Weston McKennie set up Christian Pulisic, who played a one-two before returning the ball to the Juventus midfielder. McKennie’s low cross found Damian Bobadilla, who turned it into his own net, giving the US an unintentional but decisive advantage.
The lead was doubled in the 31st minute. Pulisic attacked down the left flank and rolled the ball across the box, where Folarin Balogun finished without hesitation. He added his second of the night just before half-time, driving a powerful left-footed effort into the bottom corner in the 45th minute.
Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, keeping faint hope alive. But Giovanni Reyna settled the contest late on, striking cleanly to make it 4-1 before the final whistle.
The US starting eleven included Matt Freese in goal, with Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, and Tim Ream in defence. Tyler Adams and McKennie anchored the midfield, with Malik Tillman supporting Pulisic and Balogun in attack. Paraguay lined up with Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso among their attacking options, but struggled to make an impression against a composed home side.
Balogun’s brace made him the tournament’s top scorer after the opening round of fixtures. The US face Australia next on 19 June.
