The United States kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion after securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at the Los Angeles Stadium earlier today.
Backed by a roaring home crowd, the hosts wasted no time asserting control, going ahead in the seventh minute through an own goal by Paraguay defender Damián Bobadilla, who turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side maintained relentless attacking momentum, with Folarin Balogun doubling the lead in the 32nd minute following a well-worked move involving Christian Pulisic, who once again proved influential in midfield.
Just before halftime, Balogun struck again in stoppage time to hand the Americans a comfortable 3-0 advantage heading into the break, leaving Paraguay with a steep mountain to climb.
Paraguay managed to reduce the deficit in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, briefly sparking hopes of a comeback, but those ambitions were quickly extinguished in added time when substitute Giovanni Reyna sealed the win with a composed fourth goal.
The result sees the United States collect a full three points to top Group D, sending an early warning to their rivals in the competition.
Attention now turns to their next fixture against Australia on Saturday, followed by a group-stage clash with Türkiye six days later.
