The United States team debuted with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup, in a match played in Los Angeles that began with a historic own goal and ended with an offensive display by the North American team.
After going into the break with a 3-0 lead thanks to an own goal from Damián Bobadilla and to the double of Folarin Balogunthe Americans maintained control of the match for much of the second half and sealed the win with a goal from Giovanni Reyna in stoppage time.
Paraguay tried to react after the break
The Paraguayan team returned to the field of play with the intention of quickly scoring a goal. However, the United States continued to dominate possession and neutralize the offensive attempts of those led by Gustavo Alfaro.
At the beginning of the complement, the Paraguayan captain Gustavo Gómez received a yellow card, while the American midfielder Tyler Adams He was also cautioned minutes later, becoming the first player on his team to see a yellow card.
Paraguay made adjustments in search of a reaction. Antonio Sanabria left the field to make way for Alec Arce, while Miguel Almirón continued to be one of the most active footballers in the generation of the game.
The United States kept the pressure
Despite having a comfortable lead, the United States did not lower the intensity. Malik Tillman starred in several dangerous arrivals and was close to widening the difference, although the Paraguayan defense managed to avoid new scores during several sections of the second half.
The hydration break in the 67th minute did not change the development of the match. The Americans continued to control the ball and generate opportunities in front of the goal defended by Hernando Gil.
The changes introduced by the American coach gave freshness to the attack. Timothy Weah and Ricardo Pepi came on to replace Folarin Balogun, keeping the pressure on the Paraguayan defense.
Paraguay finds the discount
When it seemed that the United States had the game completely under control, Paraguay managed to score in the 72nd minute.
Mauricio Magalhaes took advantage of a defensive oversight to score the first Paraguayan goal of the 2026 World Cup and reduce the difference to 3-1.
The goal gave a brief boost to the South American team, which tried to get closer to the rival area again. However, the American goalkeeper responded safely to the dangerous chances generated by the Guaraníes.
Reyna sentences the win
In the final minutes, the United States once again assumed the offensive role. Weah and Pepi created several clear chances, while Paraguay racked up new yellow cards for Alec Arce and Junior Alonso.
The referee added seven minutes of replacement time and, as the match came to an end, Giovanni Reyna appeared to close the score.
The American midfielder scored the fourth goal in the 97th minute, sealing the 4-1 victory and capping a dominant performance by the host team.
Dream debut for the United States
The victory allows the United States to begin its participation in the 2026 World Cup with a firm step, leaving good feelings both in attack and in game management.
Paraguay, for its part, will have to correct defensive errors and improve its offensive effectiveness if it wants to remain with a chance of advancing in the tournament.
The match was also marked by the presence of renowned personalities in the stands, including David Beckham, Tom Cruise, George Lucas, Bill Gates, Marco Rubio, Gianni Infantino and Paris Hilton, who witnessed the victorious premiere of the American team in Los Angeles.
