Another host country debuted with victory in the World Cup in 2026. In its first game in Los Angeles, the team beat Paraguay 4-1 in the first game of Group D.
The North American team had a lot of play and took advantage of the opportunities they had right away – as well as Pulisic’s beautiful plays that resulted in Balogun’s goals. Apathetic and lacking confidence, Paraguay found it difficult to react. Credit to Maurício, who came on in the second half to reduce the score.
The United States adds the first three points and leads the group. Australia and Türkiye face each other in the early hours of next Sunday, closing the first round.
The game
The Paraguayan team presented its calling card in the first minute of the match with a throw from Alderete to Sanabria. Midfielder Diego Gómez finished in the corner, and Freese, the North American goalkeeper, had to work.
The United States team went head on, and took the lead in a beautiful move that relied on luck. McKennie tried to play Balogun inside the area, but the defense got in the way, and Bobadilla played against his own team, making it 1-0. With the goal, the United States felt more comfortable playing. The plays essentially passed through Pulisic, and all the defensive solidity characteristic of the Paraguayan team seemed to have been lost.
Lost defense and North American crush
The United States expanded at the end of the first half with Balogun. The player took advantage of the disorganization of the defensive players to take the lead and finish, but the referee signaled an offside. The number 20 did not give up and tried once again. In yet another participation by Pulisic, who set up from the left and beat the marking to make the pass, the attacker only had the job of pushing towards the goal – this time, in a regular position.
The Paraguayan team was completely committed. The team did not find its footing in the game and had difficulty playing from the defensive sector. The United States took advantage of the moment. received it on the right, cleared the marker, entered the area and scored a great goal in the corner.
In the second half, the temperature dropped. With an advantage, the United States continued to press, but began to manage the result more calmly.
After just six minutes, there was the first intervention in the World Cup based on the new refereeing rules – the yellow card given to Ream for a foul on Almirón was withdrawn, and the Paraguayan was punished in his place for simulation.
Paraguay reduces with a “Brazilian” goal and Reyna scores a great goal
Maurício came from the bench to move the match forward, looking for the game and asking for a place in the starting team. The number 11 reduced the score in the 27th minute, after a free kick in the defense field. The ball was live at the edge of the area, Enciso won it and adjusted it so he could finish first time, in the corner.
Young Reyna closed the score for the United States in stoppage time with a great goal from outside the box. After a beautiful exchange of passes, he hit with three fingers and sealed the victory for the home team.
