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

The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium in front of 70,492 fans. Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half and Gio Reyna added a late goal as the United States earned three points in its opening Group D match. The victory marked the highest scoring FIFA World Cup match in U.S. Men’s National Team history.

The Americans found an early breakthrough in the seventh minute. Following a transition attack involving Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla redirected a pass into his own net, giving the United States a 1-0 lead. The U.S. continued to control possession and create opportunities throughout the opening half, nearly adding another goal before an offside call erased a Balogun finish in the 28th minute.

Balogun would not have to wait long for his first FIFA World Cup goal. In the 31st minute, Pulisic advanced the ball into the penalty area and delivered a cross that Balogun finished into the lower right corner for a 2-0 advantage. The forward struck again in first half stoppage time when Malik Tillman found him with a long pass into the penalty area. Balogun stayed on his feet through a challenge before finishing into the upper left corner to send the United States into halftime with a 3-0 lead.

Paraguay got on the scoreboard in the 73rd minute when Mauricio finished a scoring chance following a free kick sequence. Despite conceding the goal, the United States remained in control of the match and continued to create opportunities in the attacking third.

The final goal came deep into stoppage time. Alex Freeman found Gio Reyna near the top of the box, and the midfielder turned toward goal before scoring with the outside of his right foot to cap the 4-1 victory.

The United States finished the match with a 16-9 advantage in shots and allowed Paraguay just one shot on goal. Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Malik Tillman, Chris Richards, and Balogun were among the players making their FIFA World Cup debuts.

Several milestones were reached during the match. Balogun’s first goal was his first in FIFA World Cup competition, while his two goal performance marked only the second multi goal game by a U.S. player in World Cup history. Pulisic’s assist on the opening Balogun goal gave him three career World Cup assists, the most by any U.S. Men’s National Team player. Reyna’s late strike was his first FIFA World Cup goal and the 10th international goal of his career.

With the victory, the United States sits atop Group D and will continue group play against Australia on June 19 in Seattle before facing Türkiye on June 25 in Los Angeles.