U.S. Men’s Team Wins 4-1 Over Paraguay in 2026 World Cup Opener
The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 before 70,000 fans at SoFi Stadium, marking the first four-goal performance by the U.S. in a World Cup match.
The United States opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-1 victory against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, in front of 70,492 spectators. The win gave the U.S. men’s national team its first four-goal tally in a World Cup game and the first double-goal performance by an American player since the tournament’s inaugural edition.
Midfielder Christian Pulisic, who started the match, said the crowd’s support was “awesome” and that the chants helped the team’s momentum. Defender Chris Richards highlighted the quality of the performance, noting it exceeded his expectations. Striker Folarin Balogun, who scored twice, described the achievement as “a dream.”
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was hired in 2024 to prepare the squad for the tournament, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus after the opening win. The victory follows a period of rebuilding for the U.S. program after missing the 2018 World Cup, with a core group that includes Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams.
Ticket prices for the team’s next match against Australia in Seattle rose sharply after the opening game, reflecting heightened public interest. Analysts cautioned that the result represents a single match and that the team must remain disciplined as the tournament progresses.
