USA destroys Paraguay in the highest-scoring match of the 2026 World Cup so far

The United States delivered a dominant performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, crushing Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D opener — the most prolific match of the tournament so far. Pochettino's side took the lead as early as the 8th minute through a painful Damian Bobadilla own goal, before Folarin Balogun took centre stage. The striker had a goal disallowed for offside in the 28th minute, but scored twice legitimately before the break (31', 45+5') to send the hosts in at half-time with a commanding 3-0 lead — the most goals scored in any half at this World Cup.

Paraguay showed brief signs of life after the interval, with substitute Mauricio pulling one back in the 73rd minute to make it 3-1, but the hosts quickly reasserted control. Giovanni Reyna put the gloss on the scoreline in the 90+8th minute with a stunning outside-of-the-boot finish, sealing a 4-1 victory that sends a clear statement of intent from the co-hosts.

USA next face Australia (June 19) and Turkey (June 26), while Paraguay take on Turkey (June 20) and Australia (June 26).

Goals: Bobadilla OG 8', Balogun 31', 45+5', Mauricio 73', Reyna 90+8'

USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Dest; McKennie, Adams, Robinson; Tillman, Pulisic; Balogun
Paraguay XI: Hill; Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; D. Gomez, Cubas, Bobadilla; Almiron, Sanabria, Enciso