USA defeats Paraguay 4-1 in FIFA World Cup opener
USA defeats Paraguay 4-1 in FIFA World Cup opener
Updated at: June 14, 2026 at 05:00 AM
On June 12, 2026, the United States men’s national soccer team began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Playing before a sold-out crowd of 70,492 fans, the U.S. team showcased a dynamic, high-intensity attacking style under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The match was historic, representing the first World Cup game held on U.S. soil in over thirty years.
The scoring started early in the 7th minute via an own goal, followed by a brilliant brace from Folarin Balogun.
Although Paraguay managed to score in the 73rd minute, Gio Reyna sealed the win with a stunning strike in stoppage time.
This victory marks the highest goal total for the U.S. in a single World Cup match and sets a strong precedent for their journey in Group D.
With high-profile performances at the opening ceremony and a confident start on the pitch, the co-hosts have gained significant momentum as they look toward the knockout rounds.
