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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The U.S. men's national team started the 2026 World Cup with an inspired performance, defeating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 12.Folarin Balogun was the star, scoring a pair of goals to help the USMNT kick off the tournament in style.The game started on a high as the USMNT took the lead just seven minutes in thanks to an own goal from Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla.Balogun then took over, scoring in the 31st minute and then just before halftime to give the U.S. a three-goal lead at the break.Paraguay did pull a goal back through Maurício in the 73rd minute, but the USMNT managed to see out the result from there and found a fourth through Gio Reyna, who scored with the last kick of the game.The only potential sour note was a halftime substitution of Christian Pulisic, who didn't appear hurt but also didn't emerge for the second half.Next up for the USMNT is Australia, which it will face on Friday, June 19 in Seattle.FT - USA 4-1 ParaguayFor the first time since 2014, the USMNT starts the World Cup with three points.90+7 - GOAL USA! Gio ReynaWith the last kick of the game, Reyna puts some gloss on the result with a great outside-of-the-foot finish.90+5' - USA 3-1 ParaguayWith the result no longer in doubt, Paraguay has resorted to hacking the USMNT, whose players — especially Reyna — are starting to get frustrated with the constant fouling.89' - USA 3-1 ParaguayChance for Pepi there to put it beyond doubt but the striker balloons his shot over from close range.86' - USA 3-1 ParaguayJust a matter of trying to keep the ball now for the USMNT, which appears to be tiring slightly and conceding a number of fouls.81' - USA 3-1 ParaguayReyna coming on as the U.S. tries to see out this result. Tillman coming off.73' - GOAL PARAGUAY! Maurício scoresCould this not be over yet? Paraguay reduces the deficit to 3-1 as Enciso finds Maurício for a strong low finish past Freese.72' - USA 3-0 ParaguayTwo more subs here for the U.S. as Weah and Pepi come on for Balogun and Dest.USA vs Paraguay gallery63' - USA 3-0 ParaguayAfter a brief flurry to start the half, Paraguay has gone back to being second best. The USMNT still playing with confidence here and looking to get a fourth.Pochettino to give Pulisic updateU.S. Soccer has said Pochettino will address Pulisic's sub after the game. Read more on Pulisic's substitution right here.52' - USA 3-0 ParaguayIn a case of VAR working well, the referee takes away a yellow card for Ream for a supposed foul on Almiron and gives it to Almiron, who clearly dove.50' - USA 3-0 ParaguayParaguay comes out of the gate looking rejuvenated, already putting the USMNT on the back foot more than it did in the first half.46' - USA 3-0 ParaguayThe second half is underway, with Berhalter coming on for Pulisic. Unclear what the reason for Pulisic being removed at the break is.Alexi Lalas has big praise for USMNTWhat is a brace?Folarin Balogun has scored two goals so far, which in soccer is known as a brace. The last USMNT player to score a brace at a World Cup? That would be Bert Patenaude in 1930.The striker is going to look for his hat trick in the second half.Read more about Balo's brace right HERE.HT - USA 3-0 ParaguayA simply dominant half of soccer for the USMNT, which is running rampant here. Balogun had two and it truly could have been even more.45+4' - GOAL USA!! Folarin Balogun gets his secondWhat a performance!! The USMNT is up 3-0 and Balogun has his brace. The striker makes a great run off his defender's shoulder and Tillman finds him with a great ball behind. The striker gets beyond Alderete's tackle attempt and then puts a picture-perfect strike into the top corner.43' - USA 1-0 ParaguayTillman nearly with the third after some great work from Dest but his shot is denied by Gill on the doorstep.40' - USA 1-0 ParaguayDest looking dangerous but just lacking the final ball or shot. He beats his man easily but his cross is too close to the keeper.35' - USA 1-0 ParaguayThe USMNT absolutely has Paraguay on the ropes here. They are looking for a third that could put this game away before halftime.31' - GOAL USA!! Folarin BalogunThat one counts! Just minutes after his goal was waved off, it's Balogun for real this time. Robinson finds Pulisic with a great ball down the flank and the U.S. star plays a deflected low cross that Balogun side-foots home first time. What a performance so far for the USMNT.28' - USA 1-0 ParaguayThe USMNT puts the ball in the net through Balogun, but Pulisic is clearly offside in the build-up. Still, more positive signs for the USMNT, which has hurt Paraguay with its combinations in the final third.Pulisic looks up for thisAs we reach the hydration break, perhaps the most encouraging sign from a USMNT perspective is the performance of Christian Pulisic, who has looked to attack every time he gets the ball. His positivity was the biggest factor in the USMNT's opening goa.No Trump but Rubio hangs with FIFA president at USA World Cup gameThere was no Donald Trump, but Marco Rubio led the USA delegation at tonight's game. Read the full story HERE.18' - USA 1-0 ParaguayNasty clash of heads here as Richards and Alderete collide going for an aerial ball in Paraguay's box. Richards down for a while but appears OK to continue.15' - USA 1-0 ParaguayParaguay is mixing up its defensive looks, hitting the USMNT with some high pressure in an attempt to stave off this momentum.12' - USA 1-0 ParaguayThe U.S. has kept its foot on the gas after the goal as it goes in search of a second. Pulisic is looking up for this in a great sign for the U.S.7'- GOAL USA! Own goal Damián BobadillaThe U.S. has the perfect start! Pulisic is at the heart of it, cutting between two defenders and finding McKennie, whose pass to Balogun is deflected in by Bobadilla. SoFi Stadium erupts.5' - USA 0-0 ParaguayParaguay starting to sit back in a defensive 4-4-2 without the ball, ceding some of the ball to the U.S. But they have had a couple threatening moments already with Richards forced into a pair of early clearances.Tim Ream sets USMNT recordWith the kickoff, Tim Ream has become the oldest USMNT player ever at a World Cup.Read the full story HERE.Kickoff!We are underway at SoFi Stadium! The USMNT has kicked off a home World Cup.USWNT representingThe four-time World Cup champions were out in force to support the U.S. men's national team. More than 20 current and former members of the USWNT -- including current captain Lindsey Heaps, Alex Morgan, Julie Foudy, Alyssa Naeher and Crystal Dunn -- were at SoFi Stadium for Friday night's opener against Paraguay. Current USWNT coach Emma Hayes also was in attendance. The U.S. women have won four World Cup titles, with arguably their most iconic coming nearby at the Rose Bowl. -Nancy ArmourTeams are on the field - it's almost kickoff timeThe teams are coming onto the pitch here at SoFi Stadium. The U.S. in its red and white stripes and Paraguay in its blue kit. We are almost ready to go!Katy Perry performs "Wonder" at USA opening ceremony in structured silver dressKaty Perry took the stage about 10 minutes before kickoff time for the United States World Cup opening match to perform "Wonder." She started by holding the hand of a small child who sang the opening line. She then walked around a small platform at the middle of the pitch singing the hopeful song.The internet was buzzing over her sparkly silver dress that jetted out at the waist.-Victoria HernandezDavid Beckham and Tom Cruise are hereUSA is on the fieldWhat time does USA vs Paraguay start?The Group D matchup kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET.How to watch, stream USA vs ParaguayThe game is airing on Fox, but you can also watch on Fubo or the Fox One App. Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.Watch every World Cup game with FuboUSA vs Paraguay expert predictionsSeth Vertelney: USA 2-0 Paraguay. The USMNT has a better roster and the home crowd advantage, plus the confidence from beating Paraguay in the fall. It should be a tight game but the home side edges it in the end.Jon Arnold: USA 2-1 Paraguay. Playing against a team managed by Gustavo Alfaro might not produce the type of opening-game sizzle the U.S. would like, but despite the defensive tactics of the opponents, the Americans have the skill needed to produce the desired result with an advantage in the attack and an edge when it comes to set piece.Jesse Yomtov: United States 1-1 Paraguay. Americans have had success against Paraguay, but even the good vibes at SoFi Stadium will be unable to get the co-hosts three points.Victoria Hernandez: United States 2-0 Paraguay. The United States has plenty of fuel in the tank and will start their tournament strong.USA vs Paraguay live oddsUSA lineup todayFull rosters for 2026 World Cup teamsParaguay lineup todayUSA World Cup rosterGoalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution) Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic) Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen) Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América) Paraguay World Cup rosterGoalkeepers: Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), Roberto Junior "Gatito" Fernández (Cerro Porteño), Gastón Olveira (Olimpia)Defenders: Juan Cáceres (Dynamo Moscow), Gustavo Velázquez (Cerro Porteño), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), Junior Alonso (Atlético Mineiro), José Canale (Lanus), Omar Alderete (Sunderland), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Fabián Balbuena (Gremio)Midfielders: Diego Gómez (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mauricio Magalhães (Palmeiras), Damián Bobadilla (Sao Paulo), Braian Ojeda (Orlando City), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Matías Galarza (Atlanta United), Alejandro "Kaku" Gamarra (Al-Ain)Forwards: Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth), Ramón Sosa (Palmeiras), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), Isidro Pitta (Red Bull Bragantino), Gabriel Ávalos (Independiente), Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese)Fans predict USMNT openerWill US men win their World Cup opener? We asked fans.We asked fans in Los Angeles to confirm who they’re rooting for and to give us their best match predictions.How to buy USA soccer jerseyThe red, white and blue will take the pitch Friday night in Los Angeles as the U.S. men's national team hosts their first 2026 World Cup game against Paraguay.While you won't be rocking these particular red and white stripes for the opening game, a new jersey could arrive in time for the second group stage match next week. The U.S. soccer team has at least two more group stage matches left before we dream of potential knockout games.USA fans can probably expect some excitement from Christian Pulisic and his jersey is also available to shop, but repping the USMNT doesn't end there. There are collections for every member of your family from your pets to your kids.The U.S. jersey is made by Nike and a limited supply are still available. Whether or not you are going to support the U.S. team in person this summer, you can show your fandom with the Nike 2026 USMNT jersey.Here's what you need to know in order the new Nike Team USA soccer jersey. — Dylan Reffe and Trisha EastoUSMNT great Clint Dempsey slams Canada coach Jesse MarschFormer U.S. men's national team player Clint Dempsey took exception to Canada manager Jesse Marsch's comments that implied past American players were reluctant to sing the national anthem.Marsch said during his pre-match news conference, "in the U.S. sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem."See Dempsey's fiery response.USA vs. Paraguay ticket pricesAs kickoff approached, ticket prices for tonight's game remained stubbornly high.According to TicketData.com, which tracks prices on third-party sites, the get-in price was just over $1,000 on Thursday night.Read the full story here.Who are USA soccer's best players?If you're a newer fan tuning in tonight, you may be wondering who to watch on the USMNT.We've got you covered! Check out our breakdown of the team's best players right HERE.Fox says USMNT has never lost at World Cup (not true)Christian Pulisic warming upAlexi Lalas worries about USMNT transition defense"They're susceptible to transition and the counterattack... you just gotta be worried about if anf whether there's that transition or counterattack you have the players. So I'm really happy to see Chris Richards back in the lineup," Alexi Lalas said on the FOX broadcast when asked about whether he's worried about th USMNT's back line.
