The United States men’s national team kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup and with an impressive win over Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles, CA. I knew they was going to win but a statement was made with plenty of strategy and plenty of confidence (this time).
I was expecting a goal for the US in under 10 minutes after the start but at the mistake of Paraguay. This forced Paraguay’s defender Gustavo Gómez into an awkward attempt to clear it. Instead, the ball ended up in the back of his own net, giving the United States a 1-0 lead.
The game gets exciting after this honestly. At the 31 minute mark, Folarin Balogun doubled the lead with his first goal of the night. This is after a clever buildup, Balogun found space inside the box and calmly kicked past Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Coronel.
This really makes the game more interesting honestly. So just before halftime, Balogun struck again with a stunning finish into the top corner, giving the US a commanding three-goal lead heading into the break at the 45 minute mark with 5 minute additional time. Now we’re at a 3-1 lead at half time.
At the second half, a major substitution was made for the US where Sebastian Berhalter comes in for Christian Pulisic (or as they called him: Captain America). He was replaced as a precaution after taking a knock to his calf before halftime. Fortunately, Pulisic later reassured fans that the injury was not considered serious.
I believe this really slowed the game for a bit because at the 73 minute mark Maurício of Paraguay was able to score the first goal giving Paraguay some hope.
Deep into the extra time, substitute Gio Reyna hit a brilliant strike to end the evening and seal a historic 4-1 victory for the United States. It’s the first time the USMNT had scored four goals in a men’s World Cup match.
For the US, it was the perfect way to begin the World Cup. It was a message to the rest of the 3 teams in Group D that they will advance!
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