The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening Group D match of the FIFA World Cup on June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, Giovanni Reyna added a fourth, and an own goal by Damián Bobadilla gave the U.S. an early lead. Mauricio scored the lone goal for Paraguay. This match was the USA's first World Cup victory on home soil in 32 years, last accomplishing this during the 1994 tournament.

Playing under immense pressure at a SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Mauricio Pochettino’s side delivered a tactical masterclass, combining high-intensity pressing with clinical finishing to dismantle Paraguay. The Americans completely controlled the opening 45 minutes, dominating 75% of the possession and effectively taking the game away from the South American side early on. By securing maximum points and a +3 goal differential, the USMNT safely sits at the top of Group D, boosting their confidence ahead of upcoming group-stage fixtures against Turkey and Australia.

Gio Reyna’s 89th-minute wonder strike secured USA’s historic win

The USMNT drew first blood following a quick passage of play. Christian Pulisic split two Paraguayan defenders down the flank and fired a low cross, which forced Paraguay to give an own goal in the 7th minute. With a comfortable three-goal lead, Pochettino chose to manage his player minutes and protect his assets, surprisingly subbing off captain Christian Pulisic at halftime. As the U.S. introduced fresh substitutes, their defensive focus temporarily shifted, and Paraguay’s Mauricio inserted one in the net, making it 3-1.

Just as the match looked destined to end 3-1, midfielder Gio Reyna provided the highlight of the night. In the final seconds of stoppage time, Reyna collected the ball just inside the 18-yard box on the right side. He struck the ball beautifully with the outside of his right foot, hitting a signature trivela shot that curled deep into the net to put an exclamation mark on the 4-1 blowout.

The USA dominated Paraguay the whole game, and with this pace, they can really be darkhorses of the tournament.

The USA concluded their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar with a Round of 16 exit, remaining undefeated in the group stage before falling 3-1 to the Netherlands.