USA vs. Paraguay: USMNT Looks to Start 2026 World Cup on Strong Note

The USMNT opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a high-octane 2-1 victory over Paraguay. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun led the charge, combining for two goals and three assists. The win gives the Americans a perfect start to Group A and sets the tone for an aggressive style of play under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Pulisic opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a clinical finish after a quick one-touch move in the box. His goal marked his fourth in as many international matches this year, continuing a breakout season for the Chelsea forward. Balogun doubled the lead in the 63rd minute with a powerful header from a corner, his first goal of the tournament.

Paraguay responded quickly, pulling a goal back in the 69th minute through Julian Enciso, who has been a revelation in South American qualifying. The 19-year-old playmaker has now scored four times in his last five matches and is the tournament’s most dangerous attacking threat outside of the European stars.

The USMNT’s 3-4-2-1 formation was on full display, with Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson pushing high up the flank. Dest recorded two key passes and 89% passing accuracy in the first half. Midfielders Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna controlled the tempo, with McKennie making four tackles and three interceptions, while Reyna completed 10 of 11 passes in the final third.

Defensively, the U.S. struggled at times. Goalkeeper Matt Turner made four saves, including a crucial stop in the 88th minute to preserve the lead. The backline, which includes Chris Richards and Walker Zimmerman, was tested by Paraguay’s physicality and high pressing. Richards won 78% of his duels and made two last-ditch clearances in the second half.

Pochettino’s strategy of playing with high intensity and attacking flair is working, for now. The U.S. has outscored its last five opponents 14-3 and has recorded three clean sheets in that span. However, the defense has also conceded at least one goal in all but one of those matches.

Paraguay showed why it cannot be taken lightly. The team beat Argentina 2-1 in World Cup qualifying and has a solid defensive core in Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete. Defensive midfielder Andrés Cubas controlled the midfield and limited the Americans to just one shot on target in the second half.

With the win, the U.S. moves to 1-0 in Group A. The next match is against Mexico on June 19 in Dallas. The Americans are now 12-1-1 in their last 14 games under Pochettino and are looking to maintain their momentum as the tournament progresses.