USMNT opens 2026 World Cup with dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay
The United States men's national team launched its 2026 World Cup campaign with a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Folarin Balogun scored twice, and an own goal plus a late strike from Gio Reyna secured the win before 70,492 fans. It was the first time the USMNT scored four goals in a World Cup match since 1930. Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the team's performance, while Canada also earned its first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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USMNT greats in collective awe over 2026 World Cup-opening win over Paraguay
The United States men's national team opened the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in front of 70,492 fans. Past USMNT legends, including Alexi Lalas, Tony Meola, and Marcelo Balboa, expressed collective awe at the performance and atmosphere, calling it one of the greatest nights in program history. The win has been hailed as a potential top-four World Cup performance for the U.S., with players like Weston McKennie using it to counter critics who say soccer is boring. The article highlights the strong bond between the team and fans, a focus of head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT greats in collective awe over 2026 World Cup-opening win over Paraguay
The United States men's national team (USMNT) opened the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in front of 70,492 fans. Former USMNT legends, including Alexi Lalas, Tony Meola, and Marcelo Balboa, praised the performance as one of the best in program history, with Lalas calling the first half 'the best half ever.' The win marked a significant moment for the team under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has focused on strengthening the bond between the team and its fans. The article highlights the electric atmosphere, the team's tactical dominance, and the positive reaction from past stars who have previously been critical of the current squad.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT greats in collective awe over 2026 World Cup-opening win over Paraguay
The United States men's national soccer team opened the 2026 World Cup with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in front of 70,492 fans. Former USMNT legends, including Alexi Lalas, Tony Meola, and Marcelo Balboa, expressed awe at the performance and atmosphere, comparing it favorably to the iconic 1994 World Cup matches. The win silenced some past doubts about the team's progress and highlighted a strong bond between the players and fans. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's focus on building that connection paid off. Former USMNT head coach Bob Bradley praised the diverse crowd, and Charlie Davies ranked the win among the team's best ever at a World Cup.
Soccer - The AthleticThierry Henry and Ibrahimovic recall ‘outstanding’ USMNT vs Paraguay moment that made them emotional
The United States opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, breaking multiple records. Goals included a Damián Bobadilla own goal, a brace from Balogun, and a stoppage-time strike from Reyna. However, the emotional highlight came off the pitch: Fox Sports pundits Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were moved to tears by Alexi Lalas's passionate display during the US national anthem. Henry described the moment as 'outstanding' and noted how it revealed the deep significance of the tournament for American fans. Ibrahimovic, rarely emotional, said Lalas's reaction affected him too. The USMNT now faces Turkey in their second Group D fixture, with a win likely securing knockout stage progression.
Yardbarker: SoccerUSMNT World Cup Guide: What New Fans Need to Know After Paraguay Thrashing
The Athletic provides a comprehensive guide for new fans following the USMNT's stunning 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup opener in Los Angeles. The win, which included two goals from Folarin Balogun and an own goal, marks the first time the US men's team has scored four goals in a World Cup finals match. The result puts the US top of Group D with a 97% chance of advancing to the knockout stages according to prediction models. Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the passionate fan atmosphere at SoFi Stadium. The article explains the significance of the win, noting it's only the third time in 11 attempts the US has won its opening group game. It also covers key players, including Christian Pulisic who was substituted at halftime as a precaution due to a minor calf injury, and looks ahead to the next match against Australia in Seattle.
Soccer - The AthleticWho's Winning The World Cup? Day Two – Historic lift-off for USMNT and Canada's first-ever point
The Athletic's daily World Cup data guide covers Day Two of the 2026 tournament. The USMNT achieved a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, marking the first time the team scored four goals in a World Cup match since 1930. Folarin Balogun became the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup game since Bert Patenaude in 1930. Canada earned their first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, courtesy of a 78th-minute equalizer by Cyle Larin. The result ended Canada's six-match losing streak in World Cup history. The three co-hosts (USA, Canada, Mexico) have accumulated seven points collectively. The article also notes new tournament rules including review of mistaken identity for yellow cards and a throw-in countdown protocol.
Soccer - The AthleticWho's Winning The World Cup? Day Two – Historic lift-off for USMNT and Canada's first-ever point
The Athletic's daily World Cup data guide covers Day Two of the 2026 tournament. The USMNT achieved a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, scoring four goals in a World Cup match for the first time since 1930. Folarin Balogun became the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup game since Bert Patenaude in 1930. Canada earned their first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, courtesy of a 78th-minute Cyle Larin equalizer, ending a six-match losing streak. The three co-hosts (USA, Canada, Mexico) have accumulated seven points between them in the tournament's opening days.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT's dreamy World Cup debut is something to celebrate and believe in
The United States men's national soccer team opened the 2026 World Cup as co-host with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12, 2026. An announced crowd of 70,492 witnessed the Americans score four goals in a World Cup match for the first time, with Folarin Balogun scoring a brace. The win, under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, alleviated pre-tournament tensions over visas, ticket prices, and team performance. Fox analyst Zlatan Ibrahimović urged Americans to believe in the team, calling the performance emphatic. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro acknowledged U.S. dominance tactically, technically, and physically. The result puts the U.S. in a strong position to advance from the expanded 48-team group stage.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT's dreamy World Cup debut is something to celebrate and believe in
The United States men's national team opened the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. An own goal by Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla in the seventh minute sparked a frenzy among the announced crowd of 70,492. The USMNT, ranked 15th in the world, scored four goals in a World Cup match for the first time in modern history, with Folarin Balogun scoring a brace. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's tactical and technical approach impressed, and Fox analyst Zlatan Ibrahimović declared the team capable of 'something big.' The win puts the U.S. in a strong position to advance from the expanded 48-team group stage, offering a moment of national unity amid social and political divisions.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT's Dreamy World Cup Debut: 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay Sparks Belief
The United States men's national soccer team opened their 2026 World Cup campaign as co-hosts with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. An own goal in the seventh minute set the tone, and Folarin Balogun scored a brace to make it 3-0. The win, before a crowd of 70,492, marked the first time the USMNT scored four goals in a World Cup match and their largest margin of victory since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Coach Mauricio Pochettino, tasked with rebuilding the squad, emphasized staying focused on the future. Fox analyst Zlatan Ibrahimović urged Americans to believe in the team's potential. The victory positions the U.S. strongly to advance from the expanded 48-team group stage.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT opens 2026 World Cup with dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay
The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in front of 70,492 fans. The match marked the best 45-minute performance in USMNT World Cup history, with the team scoring four goals in a World Cup game for the first time ever. The victory represents a culmination of an eight-year journey since the World Cup was awarded to North America, following the team's absence from the 2018 tournament. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino had urged patience as the team built toward this moment. Defender Chris Richards called the night 'surreal' and 'way better than what I could've envisioned.' The win launches the USMNT into uncharted territory and signals a new era for American soccer.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener; Balogun stars, Pulisic exits at halftime
The United States men's national team opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12. Folarin Balogun scored twice, including a stunning strike just before halftime, while Christian Pulisic created two early goals before being substituted at halftime as a precaution. Weston McKennie also scored, and substitute Gio Reyna added a fourth goal in stoppage time. The 70,492-strong crowd saw the USMNT produce arguably its best half of soccer in a men's World Cup. The four goals are the most the US has ever scored in a World Cup match. The team next faces Australia on June 19.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener; Balogun stars, Pulisic subbed at halftime
The United States men's national team opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Folarin Balogun scored twice, including a stunning goal just before halftime, while Christian Pulisic created two early goals before being substituted at halftime, raising minor injury concerns. Weston McKennie also contributed to the opening goal, which was an own goal by Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla. Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute, but substitute Gio Reyna sealed the win with a late goal. The match drew 70,492 fans and was described as arguably the best first half the USMNT has ever played at a men's World Cup.
Soccer - The Athletic