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USMNT Dominates Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup Opener — Day 2 Recap & What’s Next
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is off and running, and Day 2 at SoFi Stadium delivered one of the biggest statements of the tournament so far. The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) steamrolled Paraguay 4-1 in front of 70,492 roaring fans in Inglewood, California — the largest World Cup win for the U.S. since 1930.
Match Results — Day 2 (June 12)
| Match | Score | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA vs. 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 4-1 | D |
| 🇨🇦 Canada vs. 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina | 1-1 | B |
USMNT 4-1 Paraguay — How It Happened
The Americans came out flying. In the 7th minute, Weston McKennie’s threatening cross was turned into his own net by Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla to open the scoring.
Then Folarin Balogun took over. In the 31st minute, Christian Pulisic found Balogun with space in the box, and the Monaco striker calmly slotted into the bottom-right corner. Just before halftime (45+’), Balogun doubled his tally with a beautiful cut and finish into the top-left corner — becoming the first U.S. player to score a brace in a World Cup match since 1930.
Paraguay pulled one back late through Maurício, but Gio Reyna answered in stoppage time with a stunning trivela finish to cap off a dream night.
Key Stats
- Possession: USA 63% — Paraguay 37%
- Shots: USA 17 — Paraguay 8
- Shots on Goal: USA 5 — Paraguay 1
- Saves: USA 0 — Paraguay 4
Canada Earns First World Cup Point
Earlier in the day, Canada secured its first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead from a corner, but Cyle Larin equalized in the 78th minute with a deflected strike. Both teams remain in contention in Group B alongside Switzerland and Qatar.
Pulisic Injury Update
Christian Pulisic was subbed off at halftime as a precaution with a left calf issue. The USMNT captain downplayed the concern: “I really hope it’s nothing… I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything.” He’s expected to be reevaluated ahead of next Friday’s match against Australia.
Today’s Matches (June 13)
| Match | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 🇶🇦 Qatar vs. 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 3:00 PM | Santa Clara, CA |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil vs. 🇲🇦 Morocco | 6:00 PM | East Rutherford, NJ |
| 🇭🇹 Haiti vs. 🏴 Scotland | 9:00 PM | Foxborough, MA |
| 🇦🇺 Australia vs. 🇹🇷 Turkey | 12:00 AM (Sun) | Vancouver, Canada |
What’s Next for USMNT?
The U.S. faces Australia next Friday, June 19, at 3:00 PM ET in Seattle. With three points already in the bag, a win would put Pochettino’s side in prime position to advance to the knockout stage.
FAQ
Q: When is the USMNT’s next match?
A: The USMNT plays Australia on Friday, June 19 at 3:00 PM ET in Seattle.
Q: Where is the 2026 World Cup final?
A: The final takes place on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Q: How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
A: 48 teams across 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
Q: Who scored for the USMNT against Paraguay?
A: Balogun (2 goals), Bobadilla (own goal), and Gio Reyna scored for the U.S.
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