The United States men's national team kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, overwhelming Paraguay with a 4-1 victory at Los Angeles Stadium. Playing before a crowd of 70,492, the US team channeled the flair of the Los Angeles Lakers' Showtime era, delivering a performance full of creativity and confidence.
A Dazzling First Half
From the opening whistle, the US took control. Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman tormented the Paraguay defense, each attempting to nutmeg opponents and drawing yellow cards for two defenders. The breakthrough came in the 10th minute. Tim Ream launched a pass along the backline to Alex Freeman, who fed Weston McKennie with a well-weighted ball up the channel. McKennie surged forward, combined with Pulisic, and his shot deflected off Damián Bobadilla into the net.
Unlike previous US teams that eased off after scoring, this squad maintained relentless pressure. Folarin Balogun, making his World Cup debut, scored a brilliant double within 20 minutes. In the 31st minute, he finished a cross from Pulisic. Just before halftime, he latched onto a ball from Tillman, skillfully bypassed Gustavo Gómez, and placed a shot into the top corner.
Second Half Adjustments
Pulisic was substituted at halftime, likely as a precaution rather than due to injury, as Pochettino sought to protect his star from Paraguay's increasingly physical play. Paraguay improved after the break, tracking Balogun's movement and closing down spaces that had been open in the first half. They pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute when a poor clearance by Tyler Adams fell to Miguel Almirón, who set up Julio Enciso. Enciso then played in substitute Maurício, who finished past Matt Freese.
The goal exposed vulnerabilities in the US defense, including gaps and Freese's reluctance to leave his line. These issues will likely be tested by upcoming opponents Australia and Turkey, but for now, the focus remains on the positives.
A Statement Performance
Since the US were named co-hosts, every action by a US international has been scrutinized. Rather than succumbing to pressure, the team played with determination to prove their worth. Gio Reyna, a late substitute, sealed the win with a stylish finish, curling the ball past the goalkeeper with the outside of his boot.
This World Cup cycle has been challenging, but Friday's performance showed a team ready for the spotlight. For 45 minutes, they executed flawlessly, delivering a show that lived up to the hype.
