USA Defeats Paraguay in Opening 2026 FIFA World Cup Match
They came out swinging and never took the foot off the pedal. Before the game could even hit the half, Paraguay found themselves down multiple scores. On Friday, in thrilling fashion USA defeated Paraguay in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match.
For Americans, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now fully underway. The United States men’s national team began its World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, California. If you’re an NFL fan you probably already guessed the venue… yes, at SoFi Stadium.
Nevertheless, as the game commenced the USA started off hotter than a backyard BBQ and they efficiently kept the heat on their opponents. In less than ten minutes the United States already was up 1-0. To be exact, when the clock hit 6:49, the USA officially got its scoring started. The United States came out with pace and high energy, and drove down the field. The effect was dizzying as a costly own goal from Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla then put the United States in front.
Around the 30 minute mark of the first half the United States would strike again. Once again the USA kept flying around stacking up opportunity after opportunity until Paraguay broke. But not before a dramatic call ensued that would take a goal away for the USA. However, Folarin shook it off and just went back to work. Moments later, Folarin Balogun made it 2-0 for the United States off a beautiful assist from Christian Pulisic.
Right before the half would end, Balogun would strike AGAIN. Folarin was on a mission in this game and his efforts were rewarded as he put his team on his back to give the United States a sizable lead.
Additionally, this 3-0 lead at the halfway for USMNT brought up the possibility of a record being broken. The U.S. team still had some way to go to match the biggest win by a host nation in its opening game (a 6-0 win by Italy against the U.S. in 1934). Yet, with a speedy scoring start to the opportunity was there.
USA Defeats Paraguay in Opening 2026 FIFA World Cup Match
However, deep into the match Paraguay finally cut into the deficit. Paraguay’s Mauricio scored to make the score 3-1, assisted by Julio Enciso. Paraguay’s goalkeeper had launched a long ball down the pitch, which allowed Almiron to control the ball before playing it through to Enciso, who dished it to Mauricio for the finish.
But that would be all the scoring from Paraguay. The USA would add on one more score and hold onto to win 4-1. This is a great start for the USMNT. The first time in USMNT history that they’ve scored four goals in a World Cup match. Also, Chris Richards completed all 83 passes he attempted for the USMNT against Paraguay, the most passes with a 100 percent accuracy rate by any player in a FIFA World Cup match since 1966. We are all in for a very exciting tournament.
**Want Even More Sports, News, Hot Takes, Stats as well as Athlete Celebrity Sighting Updates, Insights as well as Trends? Well, be sure to join all of us Sports Feens over on Youtube to get an additional sports fix; and also don’t forget to check out all of our new Podcast topics and episodes. Plus, get fast highlights and trivia daily by following us on TikTok. Just Click HERE**
Thoughts on USA Defeats Paraguay in Opening 2026 FIFA World Cup Match? Well let’s connect then you Feen! We are always around on social media posting as well as chatting away. And we would love to hear some POV from you. Therefore, join the discussion and talk all things Sports Feen; athletics as well as breaking industry news related with us by dropping a comment or two. Get into our comment section on YT; or also hit us up on our TikTok page or tweet us @SportsFeen.
