In the first match of Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USA left the pitch with a 4-1 victory against Paraguay. The match, played at Los Angeles Stadium, was officiated by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie.
The host team started the match quickly. In the 7th minute, during an attack developing from the left wing, the ball that McKennie intended to cross in front of the goal following a play set up by Pulisic went into the net after an own goal by Bobadilla, giving the USA a 1-0 lead.
The USA doubled the lead in the 31st minute. With a pass from Pulisic around the penalty area, Balogun scored with a right-footed shot without hesitation, bringing the score to 2-0. Appearing once again in the stoppage time of the first half, Balogun found the net with his left foot from a pass by Tillman, and the half ended 3-0.
Paraguay tried to get back into the game in the second half. In the 73rd minute, Mauricio, who moved into the penalty area with a pass from Enciso, reduced the deficit with a shot from the left diagonal. However, Paraguay's comeback efforts were unsuccessful.
Reyna determined the final score of the match in the 90+8th minute. Sending the ball into the net with a shot from the right diagonal inside the penalty area to the far corner, Reyna ensured the USA left the field with a 4-1 victory.
Following this result, the USA started the group with three points. In Group D, the USA will face Australia in their second match, while Paraguay will take on Turkey.
News Source: 12punto
