It was an impressive debut for the United States men’s national football team at the 2026 World Cup, as the home team crushed its Paraguayan counterpart 4-1 in its debut.
Played on Friday at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the match started with the third inauguration of the World Cup, with the game serving as the opening of action for the games that are set to take place in the U.S.
The show opened with U.S. rapper Future and South African singer and songwriter Tyla performing Game Time. They were followed by Thai rapper Lisa, Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta and Nigerian rapper Rema’s rendition of Goals, one of the official songs of this World Cup.
The show then turned to the introduction of the 48 countries participating, after which U.S. pop star Katy Perry sang her hit song Wonder alongside 10-year-old singer Tius Luka.
After the national anthems, the match kicked off and quickly presented a clash of styles. With both teams under Argentine head coaches, Mauricio Pochettino looked for the U.S. to take center stage, while Gustavo Alfaro aimed for a disciplined and combative Paraguay.
It was to no avail, as just six minutes in, the locals took the lead through an own goal, and midfielder Damián Bobadilla accidentally tapped the ball past his goalkeeper after U.S. star Christian Pulisic dribbled past the defense and into the box.
Pulisic quickly became the source of headaches for the Paraguayan defenders, who struggled to contain him on the left wing, often having to resort to hard fouls and double teams.
It was Captain America, as the attacker is affectionately known, who darted down the left and assisted teammate Folarin Balogun for the 2-0 in the 31st minute.
With Paraguay against the ropes and the U.S. firmly in control, the third goal came in the fourth minute of added time in the first half, as midfielder Malik Tilman found Balogun with a deep pass. The former Arsenal man shook off the defense of Gustavo Gómez and slotted it into the top corner with his left foot for 3-0.
The second half was a similar tale, with Paraguay unable to find answers for the U.S. attack.
In the 73rd minute, a scrappy counter by the Paraguayans offered some hope for the remainder of the match, but it was to no avail.
With the U.S. firmly in control, midfielder Giovanni Reyna, son of former U.S. national team captain Claudio Reyna and grandson of Argentine footballer Miguel Reyna, scored the 4-1 with a shot from just inside the box to seal the match.
The U.S. will now go up against Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle, looking to secure another win and potentially qualification for the knockout stages, while Paraguay will face off against Turkey at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, aiming for a quick recovery.
Both matches are set to be played on Friday, June 19, at 12 a.m. and 4 p.m., Argentina time, respectively.
Photo credit USMNT
