LOS ANGELES, June 13: The United States made a strong statement in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday morning.
Playing at the Los Angeles Stadium, the hosts delivered a commanding performance to begin their Group D campaign on a high note.
USA took an early lead in the 7th minute when Paraguay defender Damián Bobadilla scored an unfortunate own goal. The early breakthrough gave momentum to the American side, who continued to press forward.
In the 31st minute, Folarin Balogun doubled the lead after finishing a fine assist from Christian Pulisic. Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time, sending the USA into the break with a dominant 3-0 lead.
Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, briefly giving them hope of a comeback. However, the United States sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal to complete a 4-1 triumph.
With this result, the USA collects three important points in Group D and makes an ideal start to their World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Group B action continues later tonight as Qatar face Switzerland at 12:45 AM (Nepal time).
