LOS ANGELES — The United States made a flying start to its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in a Group D clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.The hosts took the lead after just seven minutes when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla turned Christian Pulisic’s dangerous cross into his own net under pressure.The Americans continued to dominate possession and chances, and doubled their advantage in the 31st minute through Folarin Balogun, who finished off another move sparked by Pulisic.Balogun struck again before halftime to give the United States a 3-0 lead at the break, matching the total number of goals the Americans scored during their entire 2022 World Cup campaign.The United States remained in control after the restart, with Paraguay struggling to contain the hosts’ attacking movement and intensity.Paraguay pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished deep into stoppage time when Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal to complete the rout.The victory sends the United States to the top of Group D after the opening round of matches, while Paraguay sits bottom of the standings.
LOS ANGELES — The United States made a flying start to its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in a Group D clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.The hosts took the lead after just seven minutes when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla turned Christian Pulisic’s dangerous cross into his own net under pressure.The Americans continued to dominate possession and chances, and doubled their advantage in the 31st minute through Folarin Balogun, who finished off another move sparked by Pulisic.Balogun struck again before halftime to give the United States a 3-0 lead at the break, matching the total number of goals the Americans scored during their entire 2022 World Cup campaign.The United States remained in control after the restart, with Paraguay struggling to contain the hosts’ attacking movement and intensity.Paraguay pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished deep into stoppage time when Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal to complete the rout.The victory sends the United States to the top of Group D after the opening round of matches, while Paraguay sits bottom of the standings.
