USA launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, beating Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D opener and creating a landmark moment in the process. The co-hosts not only controlled the contest from the outset, they also registered a historic first: it was the first time USA have scored four goals in a single FIFA World Cup match.
The match turned into a statement performance built on a blistering first half, with USA racing into a 3-0 lead before Paraguay could settle. Folarin Balogun struck twice, while Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla put through his own net early on. Paraguay did pull one back in the second half through a move involving substitute Mauricio and Julio Enciso, but USA had the final word in stoppage time as Giovanni Reyna powered in the fourth.
The result matters immediately in a four-team group that also includes Australia and Turkiye, with every point and goal potentially decisive in the new 48-team tournament format. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups advance to the Round of 32, and the eight best third-placed teams also progress, adding extra importance to goal difference and momentum.
How USA seized control and never let go
USA’s intent was clear from the opening minute, forcing Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill into early action. The breakthrough arrived quickly, and in unfortunate fashion for Paraguay. In the seventh minute, Damian Bobadilla’s intervention in his own box ended with the ball being kicked past his own goalkeeper for an own goal, handing USA a 1-0 lead and immediate control of the match narrative.
Paraguay tried to respond with forward play, including an early attempt to work the ball into the area via Julio Enciso, but USA’s defensive work repeatedly cut out deliveries and second balls. The game also began to take on an edge: Paraguay’s Juan Caceres was booked in the 10th minute for a rough tackle, setting the tone for a physical contest.
USA thought they had doubled the lead when Balogun finished after receiving a strong pass and rounding the goalkeeper, but referee Danny Makkelie halted play for a VAR check and ruled the effort offside. The setback did not slow USA down. In the 31st minute, Christian Pulisic fed Balogun inside the box, and the forward kept his composure before hammering a shot across Gill to make it 2-0.
Paraguay’s Gill produced important saves to keep the scoreline from ballooning even earlier, including denying Malik Tillman with a strong stop. But USA’s pressure told again in first-half stoppage time. Tillman supplied Balogun, who moved closer to goal and finished decisively to complete his brace and send USA into the break with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
The second half brought more incident. A yellow card shown to USA’s Tim Ream was overturned after a VAR review, while Tyler Adams was later booked for an aggressive challenge. Paraguay also made changes, with Mauricio introduced for Damian Bobadilla, and USA replacing Christian Pulisic with Sebastian Berhalter early in the half.
Paraguay finally found a way onto the scoresheet in the 73rd minute. Mauricio, on as a second-half substitute, worked the ball inside the box and played it to Julio Enciso, who converted to reduce the deficit to 3-1 and briefly inject urgency into the closing stages.
USA continued to create chances to restore their three-goal cushion. Gill saved from Tillman and later denied Timothy Weah with an excellent diving stop. Ricardo Pepi also went close late on, volleying just over the crossbar. Paraguay pushed hard in the final minutes, but USA remained composed through seven minutes of added time.
Then came the historic finish. In the dying seconds, Giovanni Reyna received a pass inside the box and unleashed a powerful strike into the net to make it 4-1—sealing the win and confirming the first four-goal World Cup outing in USA’s history.
What’s next in Group D
With the opening win secured, USA’s attention now turns to their next Group D match against Australia on June 20. Paraguay, meanwhile, will look to respond when they face Turkiye on the same day. After a dominant start and a record-setting attacking return, USA have set an early benchmark in the group, while Paraguay will need a quick reset to keep their campaign on track.