The United States, co-host of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, secured its first victory by defeating Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match on June 13.
Under the guidance of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the US men's national soccer team triumphed in the group stage match held at the LA Stadium in California. The victory featured an own goal from Paraguay, two goals from Folarin Balogun, and a late goal from Giovanni Reyna.
The match tilted in favor of the US early on due to an own goal by Paraguay. In the 7th minute, US player Christian Pulisic made a penetrating run into the left side of the penalty box before passing to Weston McKennie, whose return pass deflected off Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla for the own goal. This marked the first own goal of the tournament.
The US continued to press Paraguay, focusing their attacks on the left side. In the 31st minute, Pulisic broke free into space behind the defense and delivered a cutback pass from the left side of the penalty area, which Balogun finished with a right-footed shot into the center of the goal.
Balogun added to the score in the first-half stoppage time, receiving a pass from Malik Tillman and unleashing a powerful left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area.
Paraguay finally found the net in the 73rd minute when a long goal kick led to an attack, and Mauricio scored with a left-footed shot from the left side of the goal area after receiving a pass from Julio Cesar Enciso, breaking their scoreless drought.
However, the US responded quickly, with Reyna scoring in the 53rd minute to seal Paraguay's fate.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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