The United States secured a commanding USA 4-1 Paraguay victory in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026. Folarin Balogun scored a first-half brace to set the tone for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, while Damian Bobadilla’s own goal and Gio Reyna’s late strike completed an electric performance in Inglewood, California.
Key Takeaways
- The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D World Cup opener.
- Folarin Balogun scored a first-half brace, assisted by Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman.
- The USA led 3-0 at halftime thanks to an early own goal and two quick strikes from Balogun.
- This was the United States’ first four-goal World Cup match, with Balogun becoming the first American to score more than one in a single game since 1930.
- The USA sits atop Group D on three points after this result, while Paraguay remains winless following their return from a 16-year absence.
Match Highlights
Watch the best moments and goals from the match below:
How did the goals go in?
The scoring sequence began early for the United States, who took a 1-0 lead just seven minutes into the contest thanks to an own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla. The Americans doubled their advantage before halftime when Folarin Balogun latched onto Christian Pulisic’s assist to make it 2-0 in the 31st minute.
Balogun completed his brace just moments before the break, converting a pass from Malik Tillman in stoppage time (45+5′) to give the USA a dominant 3-0 halftime lead. Paraguay pulled one back in the second half when Mauricio scored in the 73rd minute, assisted by Julio Enciso, making it 3-1.
The United States sealed their comprehensive victory deep into stoppage time (90+8′) when Gio Reyna finished an extended passing sequence to make the final score 4-1.
How did the match unfold?
The United States dominated the first half, controlling the tempo and creating numerous chances against a Paraguay side known as La Albirroja. The Americans’ early pressure paid off quickly with Bobadilla’s own goal, followed by Balogun’s brace.
A notable moment occurred at halftime when Christian Pulisic was substituted following a first-half injury. Coaches described the change as a precautionary measure to protect the winger for the remainder of the tournament.
In defense, Chris Richards anchored the USA back line on his competitive return from an ankle injury that had sidelined him for over a month. Per match passing data, Richards completed all 83 of his attempted passes during the game, showcasing a flawless display.
The second half saw Paraguay improve significantly and earn their consolation goal through Mauricio in the 73rd minute. However, the United States restored its three-goal cushion late when Gio Reyna capitalized on a sustained period of possession deep into stoppage time.
A Historic Father-Son Milestone
Captain Tyler Adams led the United States on the pitch, while Paraguay’s captain was Gustavo Gomez. A unique milestone was reached at halftime when Sebastian Berhalter came on for his father, former USA coach Gregg Berhalter. The pair became the 24th father-son pairing to feature at a World Cup, and only the second American duo after Claudio and Gio Reyna.
Match stats: USA vs Paraguay
| Stat | USA | Paraguay |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 65% | 35% |
| Total shots | 17 | 8 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.42 | 0.54 |
| Accurate passes | 509 (85%) | 232 (73%) |
| Saves | 1 | 3 |
| Fouls committed | 13 | 17 |
| Yellow cards | 1 (Tyler Adams) | 5 (Juan Jose Caceres, Diego Gomez, Miguel Almiron, Junior Alonso, Alex Arce) |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
The statistics paint a clear picture of the match dynamics. The United States controlled possession and dominated shot volume, registering 17 total shots compared to Paraguay’s eight. Furthermore, the USA’s passing accuracy was superior, completing 509 passes at an 85% rate versus Paraguay’s 232 passes at 73%. Paraguay committed more fouls (17) than their opponents and received five yellow cards, highlighting the physical nature of their attempt to disrupt the American rhythm.
Why was this result historic?
The USA 4-1 Paraguay scoreline marked several firsts for both nations. For the United States, it was the first time they scored four goals in a single World Cup match, setting a new team record.
Folarin Balogun made history by becoming the first American men’s player since 1930 to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match. His brace was instrumental in securing the three points for his country.
The United States’ 12th overall World Cup appearance continued their strong recent form, as they reached the knockout stage in each of their previous three tournaments (2010, 2014, and 2022). For Paraguay, this match marked their return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence. Their previous appearance was in 2010, where they notably reached the quarter-finals, making this tournament their longest-ever wait between qualifications.
What does the win mean for Group D?
This result serves as a statement start for the United States in their pursuit of another knockout stage run. Following this victory, the USA has three points and sits atop Group D on this matchday.
Paraguay must now regroup quickly after dropping their opening Group D match. With zero points on the board, they will need to respond strongly in their remaining group games to keep their tournament hopes alive and avoid falling behind early in the standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score?
The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D opener. The match took place at SoFi Stadium (officially branded as Los Angeles Stadium for FIFA) on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Who scored for the United States?
The United States’ goals came from Damian Bobadilla’s own goal in the 7th minute, a brace by Folarin Balogun (31st and 45+5′), and a late strike by Gio Reyna in stoppage time (90+8′).
Did Paraguay score?
Yes, Paraguay scored one consolation goal in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, who was assisted by Julio Enciso. This made the scoreline 4-1 after Reyna’s late goal.
Where and when was the match played?
The game was played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (Greater Los Angeles). The kickoff time was 6:00 PM local Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), which equated to 9:00 PM Eastern.
Why is Balogun’s brace significant?
Balogun became the first USA men’s player since 1930 to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match. His two goals were crucial in establishing a dominant 3-0 halftime lead for his country.
