LOS ANGELES – The United States men’s national team started the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a big victory. National coach Mauricio Pochettino’s team won 4-1 against Paraguay on Friday evening at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. With this result, the United States immediately takes the three points in Group D.
The hosts took the lead in the sixth minute through an own goal by Paraguayan midfielder Damián Bobadilla. After half an hour of play, attacker Folarin Balogun doubled the margin after an assist from Christian Pulisic. Just before the half-time signal, Balogun scored his second goal of the evening, sending the teams into the dressing rooms at 3-0.
In the second half, Paraguay, led by national coach Gustavo Alfaro, reduced the deficit. Substitute Maurício scored the 3-1 in the 72nd minute. In injury time, Giovanni Reyna, who was also substituted, made the final score 4-1 by scoring the fourth American goal in the 97th minute.
For the United States, Matt Freese started in goal and 38-year-old Tim Ream wore the captain’s armband. The match was officiated by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie. After this first round of play, the United States continues the tournament in Group D with a match against Australia, while Paraguay will face Turkey.
