USA v Paraguay

A clinical three-goal first-half showing was enough for the United States to wrap up all three points in their 2026 World Cup debut, as Pochettino’s side laid down a statement of intent with a 4-1 win over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium (1.35 to 0.47 on xG). Bobadilla’s own goal just over a half-dozen minutes into the contest was an inauspicious start for the Albirroja, who clearly had their confidence shaken after conceding early, as they offered little in the way of a reply. Balogun was on-hand at the 31st minute to double the advantage with a well-taken finish, and the striker then made up for his poor positioning which caused a goal to be chalked off by completing a personal brace just before the break after an impressive, mazy run inside. Mauricio was able to pull one back for Alfaro’s team to give them a bit of hope with just over a quarter-hour remaining, but Reyna added a fourth 16 minutes after his second-half introduction; beating Gill late with a skillful shot using the outside of his right foot to settle the tie. Pochettino’s side are back in action on Friday against Australia in Seattle, while Paraguay’s next chance to collect three points is on the same day against Turkiye in San Francisco. That concludes our commentary of the 2026 World Cup Group D match between the United States and Paraguay - we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

FULL-TIME: UNITED STATES 4-1 PARAGUAY

Freeman, who didn’t manage a goal involvement in nine matches with Villarreal this season, picks up an assist in the late stages of the match - setting up Reyna for a well-struck fourth!

90'+8'

Goal

A LATE FOURTH ADDS THE CHERRY ON TOP! 4-1 USMNT! Freeman interchanges with Weah on the right flank before knocking it into the path of Reyna, who is allowed to get into the 18-yard box unmarked before dispatching a perfectly hit strike with the outside of his right boot that sails past the goalkeeper and in at the far post!

Only Mexico (18) have appeared in more World Cups than the USA (12) among CONCACAF nations, while the USMNT have reached the knockout stage in each of their last three participations (2010, 2014, 2022). The United States have notably lost only one of their last nine group matches at the tournament (three wins and five draws), which came against Germany in 2014 (0-1).

A bit too eager to win the ball back, Romero kicks through the leg of Berhalter and gives away a free-kick 25 yards from his own penalty area, which Reyna is in absolutely no hurry to take as the seconds continue to tick off the clock late in added time.